Tourette’s Syndrome/Tic disorders

Tourette’s syndrome cannot be diagnosed with any specific tests. The only way to diagnosis it is by the symptoms exhibited by the patient. Tics are either motor (movement) or auditory (sounds). Both are uncontrollable, and the patient must have both of them for more than one year to be diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. Tics develop before the age of 18 but tend to peak in the early teens and then improve with age.

Tourette’s syndrome is not the only condition that can cause tics. Blood tests and imaging may be needed to rule out other causes.

Tourette’s cannot be cured, only controlled to allow for better daily functioning. Treatment may not even be necessary if the tics are mild. There are several different types of medications available to control or lessen these symptoms. Dr. Sherry Gergis at Trinity Psychiatric Health will help decide which medication is in the best interest of each patient.

Therapy may also be prescribed:

• Behavior therapy to find physical ways to short-circuit the tics.

• Psychotherapy for coping with Tourette’s on a daily basis as well as to treat any accompanying conditions (depression, ADHD).

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a safe and effective treatment that delivers electrical stimulation to the areas of the brain that control movement. This is used when treatment does not provide relief.

If you need treatment of Tourette’s syndrome in Lake Mary, Florida, call 407-324-0484 today.