Types of Tic Disorders

Tourettes Syndrome – For a diagnosis of TS there must be multiple motor tics, and at least one vocal tic, present for at least 12 months.

Transient Tic Disorder – Tics are usually confined to the face and neck and last no longer than 12 months.

Chronic Tic Disorder – Characterised by the presence of one or more long-lasting tics, either vocal or motor.

Tic Disorder (not specified) – Tics are present but do not meet the criteria for a specific tic disorder, they could be brought on by illness or medication.

Co-Morbid Conditions - People with Tourettes Syndrome often present with co-occurring conditions such as, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit (hyperactivity) Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, social skills deficit, rage attacks, migraines, panic attacks, eye tracking problems.

Common Types of Tics

SIMPLE TICS - Tics involving only a few muscles or sounds that are not yet words

COMPLEX TICS – Tics involving multiple groups of muscles or complete words or sentences

Types of Complex Tics

COPROLALIA – Obscene words/phrases, racial slurs, derogatory statements, socially inappropriate speech i.e. yelling “fire” in public places.

COPRAXIA – Inappropriate touching self/others, touching private areas self/others, giving “the finger”, bumping into people, invading personal space.

ECHOLALIA – Echoing other’s words/phrases.

PALALALIA – Echoing own words/phrases.

COPROGRAPHIA – Socially inappropriate writing/drawing.

X