Living with Tics or Tourette Syndrome (TS)

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition that involves involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics. These tics can happen suddenly and without warning, often feeling completely outside of a person’s control.

For some, tics might be small and barely noticeable—like blinking or a slight shoulder movement. For others, they can be more complex, such as repeating words or performing certain actions. Everyone’s experience is different, and tics can change over time in both type and intensity.

TS usually begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. While many people experience occasional twitches or habits, tics in TS tend to be more frequent and can sometimes interfere with day-to-day life or feel distressing.

A diagnosis is typically made when both motor tics (movements) and vocal tics (sounds or words) have been present for more than a year.

What are tics?

Tics are repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds. They can be:

• Motor tics – involving the body

• Vocal tics – involving sounds or speech

Some people can hold back their tics for short periods, but this often leads to a build-up of tension, with tics returning more strongly afterwards.

Common motor tics might include:

• Blinking or squinting

• Head jerking or shoulder shrugging

• Arm or leg movements

• Facial expressions or grimacing

• Repetitive actions like tapping or touching

Common vocal tics might include:

• Throat clearing or grunting

• Sniffing

• Repeating sounds or words

• Occasionally saying inappropriate words (known as coprolalia, though this is less common than people often think)

What can trigger tics?

Tics can happen at any time, but certain situations may make them more noticeable or intense. These can include:

• Stress or anxiety

• Excitement

• Tiredness

• Social pressure or busy environments

It’s important to remember that tics are not deliberate. They’re not something a person can simply “stop”, even if it may sometimes look that way from the outside.

Interestingly, some people notice their tics ease when they’re deeply focused or relaxed— but they often return once attention shifts.

The emotional impact

Living with tics can affect more than just the body. It can also bring emotional and social challenges, particularly if tics are visible to others.

People may experience:

• Embarrassment or self-consciousness

• Anxiety

• Frustration

• Difficulty in social situations

It’s also quite common for TS to occur alongside other conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or OCD.

How is Tourette Syndrome treated?

There isn’t a cure for TS, but there are effective ways to manage it. Treatment focuses on helping individuals feel more in control, reducing the impact of tics, and supporting overall wellbeing.

Support may include:

• Behavioural Therapy (CBIT)
  This helps individuals recognise early signs of a tic and use alternative responses to reduce the urge.

• Medication
  In some cases, medication can help manage more severe or disruptive tics.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  This can be particularly helpful for managing anxiety, confidence, and the emotional effects of living with tics.

What to expect over time

For many people, tics naturally lessen during late adolescence or early adulthood. However, everyone’s experience is different. Some may continue to have tics into adulthood, while others see a significant reduction.

The focus of support is always on helping each individual live comfortably and confidently, whatever their experience may be.

Getting help at Sloane Court Clinic

If you or someone close to you is experiencing tics that feel distressing or are impacting daily life, seeking support can make a meaningful difference.

At Sloane Court Clinic, we offer comprehensive assessments to better understand what’s going on, whether that’s Tourette Syndrome or another tic-related condition. From there, we create a tailored plan to support both symptoms and overall wellbeing—helping you feel more at ease and in control.