Neurodevelopmental Disorders

sudden, uncontrolled, and repetitive movement or sound

likely experience an uncomfortable bodily sensation (premonitory urge) such as an itch, a tingle or tension. Expression of the tic brings relief. With great effort, some people with Tourette syndrome can temporarily stop or hold back a tic.

can be either motor (movement) or vocal (sounds) can be simple or complex

Types of tics

  • Motor Tics - Simple Motor Tics eg. sniffing, blinking, shrugging - Complex Motor Tics eg. Skipping, Dancing, sexual gestures, self-harm
  • Vocal Tics - Simple Vocal Tics eg. humming, singing, shouting - Complex Vocal Tics eg. repeating other’s words, repetitive phrases, using slurs and swear words

Types of Tic Disorders

According to DSM 5,

  1. Provisional Tic aka transient tic disorder having one or more motor or vocal tics for less than a year before the age of 18 most common type
  2. Persistent motor or verbal having one or more motor or vocal tics for more than a year, beginning before the age of 18. has to be either one, not both vocal and motor
  3. Tourette’s Syndrome having two or more motor and at least one vocal tic for more than a year, beginning before the age of 18.

Causes

  1. Genetic
  2. Brain chemistry
  3. Neurotransmitters like glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine
  4. Injuries, strokes, infections, poisons
  5. Other medical disorders like Huntington’s disease

Risk Factors

More likely to occur in male Genetics

Co-morbidity

ADHD Sleep Disorders Learning Disabilities Anxiety Separation Anxiety Disorder