What are Tic Disorders?

Tics onset in childhood, with the most severe form known as Tourette syndrome. Tics range in severity, from mild transient tics to chronic frequent tics that can significantly impact daily functioning. Treatment involves behavioural therapies and sometimes medications to help manage tic symptoms.

Types of tic disorders

Tic disorders are classified based on onset, duration, severity and impairment: Provisional tic disorder – Tics last less than one year.
Persistent (chronic) tic disorder – Tics occur for more than one year.
Tourette syndrome – Multiple motor and vocal tics lasting over a year. Tics start before age 18.
Other specified tic disorder – Tics characteristic of Tourette’s but not fully meeting criteria.
Unspecified tic disorder – Clearly tics but insufficient information to diagnose specifically.

Tics occur along a spectrum, ranging from transient simple tics to severe Tourette’s with frequent complex tics. Stress and fatigue often worsen tics.