Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by tics – which are sudden movements or sounds that a person feels compelled to perform and are unable to control. These tics appear in several different formats, including physical and verbal varieties. Although other disorders may be present, such as ADHD or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Tourette syndrome can be diagnosed on its own. Despite the neurological symptoms, Tourette syndrome itself does not cause any learning disabilities.

Symptoms & signs of Tourette syndrome

  • The feeling of built-up tension that can only be released by no longer holding back verbal or physical tics.

Physical tics or extreme repetitive movement, such as:

  • Eye blinking
  • Shoulder shrugging
  • Clearing the throat
  • Head jerking
  • Touching certain objects
  • Obscene gesturing

Verbal tics, such as:

  • Repeating words
  • Repeating (loudly) inappropriate phrases or words, for example, swearing
  • Yelling
  • Repeating phrases

When is it time to get help?

If you have Tourette syndrome, you may want to learn how to manage your symptoms, or you may be living with your symptoms successfully but are still dealing with other mental health concerns that are the result of, or impacted by, Tourette’s. This may include:

  • Learning disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Autism
  • ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactive disorder)

If you are experiencing mental health issues due to, or made worse by, your Tourette’s, you may want to consider seeking help.

Tourette syndrome treatment methods

Tourette syndrome can be manageable and can be treated in several different ways, depending on how your symptoms are affecting you and your wellbeing. Some effective treatment methods include:

  • Behavioural therapy tends to view human beings and behaviour with the assumption that humans are a product of their sociocultural conditioning and environment, looking at the current problems and the factors influencing them and emphasizes behaviour changes more than the underlying unconscious processes.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
  • Mindfulness therapy is an approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves, others, and the world. The ability to be in the moment, to acknowledge and regulate your emotions helps you to break free from negative thought patterns.
  • Hypnosis and hypnotherapy can allow clients to travel deeper into the unconscious or subconscious to look at and work with issues and ideas perhaps inaccessible otherwise. It’s like guided daydreaming: a form of relaxed concentration.

Together with your therapist, you will find treatment methods that are tailored to your individual personality and circumstances.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

We can offer support and help you to find ways to live successfully with Tourette syndrome, and to mitigate the negative impact on your life from Tourette’s that you (or your child) may be experiencing. Insight has several locations in Alberta to treat you – in-person, online, or by phone. Please contact us today.

 

 

 

Brooke Hendricks

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Assessments

Loriann Quinlan

Edmonton South, Edmonton West, Online

Adults, Seniors

Brandi Enns

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Sabrina Brady

Edmonton Central, Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Karla Buchholz

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Terri Mulveney

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), LGBTQ community

Nikesha Deenoo

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Sexuality

Nicole Donovan

Edmonton South, Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17)

Kathryn Maier

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, Assessments

Cody Cobler

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, LGBTQ community

Dawn Doucet Banting

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community

Chantelle Owen

Edmonton South, Edmonton Central, Online, Edmonton West

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Luke Suelzle

Edmonton South, Online, Edmonton Central

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples, Sexuality

Kim Phua

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Corporate Services

Shirley Leonard

Corporate Services

Shaheel Hooda

Corporate Services

Lisa Standeven

Corporate Services

Tara-Lee Goerlitz

Corporate Services

At this time, Insight Psychological does not have therapists who specialize in this specific area, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you! Please contact us to talk with our Intake Personnel to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your unique circumstances.