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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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PTSD

Self-Injurious Behavior

Shyness & Social Anxiety

What Tourette Syndrome Looks Like

Do you have a movement disorder? The following symptoms are indicative of Tourette Syndrome, and other conditions associated with TS. Keep in mind that there are other, milder forms of movement disorders (look under “DEFINED”).

Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome and Associated Conditions

Tics. A person with TS has both physical tics and at least one vocal tic. (Tics are involuntary, repeated movements or sounds, such as sniffing, arm thrusting, or jumping.)
Tics occur throughout the day, almost every day or off and on for over a year.
Symptoms began before age 18.
The frequency, type, and location of tics change.
There are better and worse times with tic severity (often corresponding with stress).
Associated behaviors such as obsessions, compulsions, rituals, problems with controlling impulses, Attention Deficit Disorder (possibly with Hyperactivity), learning disabilities, and sleep disorders.

Tourette Syndrome is diagnosed by behavior, not by blood tests or x-rays. Because of this it can be difficult for a doctor to tell if a child has TS, or possibly some other condition. A doctor will generally observe a child's behavior, and the onset of the condition, in order to make a diagnosis. If you think you or a friend might possibly have TS, take this diagnostic poll. Keep you or your friend in mind as you check off the boxes:

	You began "tic-ing" in your early school years (movements like shrugging, blinking, jerking, twitching, kicking; sounds such as sniffing, clearing your throat, tongue clicking, repeated words, etc.)
	You involuntarily move or make noises, almost every day.
	These tics have lasted for more than a year.
	Sometimes you act obsessively or compulsively, repeating things until they go "right."
	The tics change in type, frequency, and location.
	Your tics have better and worse periods (perhaps corresponding with stress).

The information provided on this site should not replace your physician’s advice.