Tourette's/Tic Tips and Tricks

Types Of Tic Disorders

There are many different tic disorders, all of which are completely valid. These are all the ones i know of, but if you have any more that i missed or any descriptions I've messed up on, please let me know!

Let's start with arguably the most common tic disorder: Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome is a tic disorder that consists of at least one vocal tic and two motor tics present for a year or more. This disorder is more common in AMAB people than AFAB. Symptoms usually present themselves between the ages of 2-14 but must present before age 18. Mine personally started soon after my 15th birthday. Symptoms can also include rage attacks, OCD-like compulsions, anxiety, and quite a few others.

Chronic tic disorders are up next on the list. Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder is similar to Tourette syndrome but only one type of tic is present. Most of the criteria is the same for this.

Provisional tic disorder is a disorder which presents as one or more motor and/or vocal tic lasting for less than one year. You can get this at any age.

PANDAS/PANS/BGE or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection (a mouthful, i know) is a disorder typically caused by a Strep Throat infection staying in the blood for an extended period of time, causing inflammation to the brain. It's referred to as PANDAS with young children usually 10 or younger. PANS can occur at any age. Diagnostic criteria is typically sudden onset tics, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD, or Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder/ARFID. Other symptoms include seizures, paralysis, anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing, and TONS more.

Functional tics. Oh boy. It's about to get controversial so please bear with me. These are the tics usually referred to as "anxiety tics", "ADHD tics", etc even though these disorders do NOT cause tics. Functional tics do not have an organic cause like Tourette syndrome and other disorders listed above. If you've "caught" tics from tiktok, they're most likely functional tics and can be resolved with therapy. If you have functional tics, you are no less valid than any other person with tics.

These are all the common tic disorders you may hear in the tics and Tourette's community, refer to my note above if you have any additions!

This book is not a diagnostic tool and shouldn't be treated as such. If you suspect you may have one of these disorders, please seek medical help to confirm or deny the diagnosis.