The majority of people with TS require no medication, but medication is available to help when symptoms interfere with functioning. TS medications are only able to help reduce specific symptoms. Neuroleptic and antihypertensive drugs can have long- and short-term side effects, and use of stimulants is controversial. SSRIs, a class of antidepressants, may be prescribed when a TS patient is triggered by symptoms of OCD.
Researchers are also investigating the use of nicotine patches as a treatment. However, while the results are promising, physicians urge that the dangers of nicotine as a carcinogen outweigh the benefits of this treatment. Researchers are seeking a substitute that can target brain disorders in the same way, without the risks. (BBC News)
Until 2004, there wasn't a cure for TS. However, surgeons in the US successfully carried out a brain surgery in February 2004, in which tiny electrodes powered by batteries inserted in the chest, were placed beside the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere. Within half a minute of activating the electrodes, the patient could walk normally and displayed a complete lack of symptoms. However, this is a dangerous procedure and is unlikely to become widespread.
In any case, the condition in many individuals improves as they mature.
Individuals with TS can expect to live a normal life span. Although TS is generally lifelong and chronic, it is not degenerative. In a few cases, complete remission occurs after adolescence, and in many cases this occurs after the age of 40.
A third to half a lifetime of living with TS generally gives one survival skills to manage the disorder. The great majority of tourettics have learned to cover-up the more socially inappopriate tics.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used to try to disrupt the automatic chain of events underlying the tics. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback may also be useful in relieving the stress that may aggravate tics.
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and an online advice expert. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Visit her for Advice & Counseling, or take a free Depression Screening today.
Subscribe to the growing self-help ezine "Better Choices".
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Tourette Syndrome". You are free to copy & use this article under the terms of the license. *Please note that a courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.
