Tics, Tourette syndrome and childhood movement disorders
टिक्स, टूरेट और मूवमेंट डिसऑर्डर
Tics are sudden, repeated movements or sounds. When both motor and vocal tics last more than a year, it is called Tourette syndrome. Stress and excitement make tics worse.
Tics often occur with ADHD, OCD or anxiety, which may need treatment too.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Eye blinking, facial grimacing, head or shoulder jerks
- Throat clearing, sniffing, grunting or words
- An urge before the tic, relief after it
- Tics increase with stress, decrease when focused
- Teasing, embarrassment or school difficulties
Causes
- Neurodevelopmental — differences in brain movement circuits
- Strong family tendency
- Not caused by bad behaviour or parenting
Risk factors
- Tics, OCD or ADHD in the family
- Stress, excitement and tiredness make tics worse
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical observation and history — no blood test or scan is needed in typical cases
- Checking for associated ADHD, OCD and anxiety
Classification: ICD-10 F95 · ICD-11 8A05.0ICD-11 lists primary tics in the neurology chapter (Tourette syndrome 8A05.00), with a cross-reference in mental disorders.
Treatment options
- 1Education for child, family and school — reducing attention to tics
- 2Behavioural therapy (habit reversal / CBIT)
- 3Medicines when tics are severe or painful
- 4Treating associated ADHD, OCD or anxiety
- 5Neurology review for other movement disorders when needed
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Habit reversal training / CBIT — evidence-based behavioural therapy for tics
Guidance for family
- Ignore the tics rather than pointing them out; scolding makes them worse
- Inform teachers so the child is not punished for tics
When to see a psychiatrist
- Tics cause pain, injury or distress
- Child is teased or avoids school
- Sudden onset of tics with OCD symptoms after an infection
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Frequently asked questions
Should we tell the child to stop?
No — asking to stop increases stress and tics. Calm acceptance helps more.
Will tics go away?
Many children improve by late teens.
Can adults have movement problems linked to psychiatric medicines?
Yes, some medicines can cause stiffness, tremor or restlessness; tell your doctor so the dose or medicine can be adjusted.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.