Uncontrollable tics
Continuously shouting swear words: that is the image that many people see when they think of Gilles de la Tourette. An image that in most cases is not correct. What does this syndrome mean?
1. What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome (also called Tourette’s disorder) is a tic disorder. A tic is a sudden, rapid, repetitive, non-rhythmic movement or sound. This means, for example, that a person with Tourette’s blinks very often, shrugs their shoulders uncontrollably, growls, snorts or makes obscene gestures.
It is estimated that Gilles de la Tourette occurs in 1 percent of the Dutch population.
2. But people with Tourette’s only swear and curse, right?
No, that is not true. Only a small proportion of people with Tourette’s disease (14 to 20 percent) suffer from compulsive swearing or name-calling. Yet this is what many people think when they think of Gilles de la Tourette. Tourette is often parodied in cartoons and jokes. Unfortunately, this often paints a wrong picture of this condition. In about 80 to 86 percent of cases, people with Tourette’s have tics other than swearing and swearing.
3. How and when is Gilles de la Tourette created?
First of all, it is good to point out that not everyone with tics automatically has Gilles de la Tourette. The condition must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Gilles de la Tourette arises in childhood, often when someone is between four and six years old. Over time, more and more complex tics are added, leading to a peak between the ages of 10 and 12. The tics generally subside during the teenage years. However, about a third of adults continue to have severe tics.
The exact cause of Gilles de la Tourette is unknown. What is known is that genetic predisposition plays a role and that there are one or more triggers that express the tics.
4. Does Gilles de la Tourette stand alone as a condition?
No, Gilles de la Tourette is very often associated with other mental illnesses. In most cases, it is a combination of Gilles de la Tourette and ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder (compulsive disorder). People with Tourette’s are also prone to depression and addiction, among other things. Sometimes people are more bothered by this than the tics themselves.
5. What does treatment involve and is it curable?
There is no cure for Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome. Because the tics and complaints differ per person, not everyone with Gilles de la Tourette needs treatment. Tics can be reduced by following lifestyle rules such as avoiding stress and getting enough sleep. Activities that require a lot of concentration can also reduce tics.
Treatment is in order if someone with Gilles de la Tourette experiences a lot of hindrance in daily life. Treatment focuses on reducing the tics. Initially, behavioral therapy is usually chosen. If lifestyle rules and behavioral therapy do not yield sufficient results, there are other treatment options, such as medication or Botox injections.
Would you like to know more about Gilles de la Tourette? Or do you think you know everything about this? Read more on the website of the Mental Health Fund and take the knowledge test: www.psychischeGezondheid.nl/tourette.
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