Glossary
Tic Disorders
What is
Tic Disorders?
Tic Disorders can impact mental health which may require therapeutic support.
What Is It?
Tics are sudden, rapid, involuntary movements or sounds that occur repeatedly. They can be motor (like blinking or head jerking) or vocal (like grunting or throat clearing). Tics are commonly associated with conditions like Tourette’s syndrome but can appear independently.
Common Experiences
People with tics often describe a building tension or urge before the tic occurs, followed by temporary relief. Tics can vary in intensity and frequency, sometimes worsening with stress, excitement, or fatigue. Many feel embarrassed or try to suppress them in public settings.
How It Can Affect You
Tics can affect self-confidence, social interactions, and academic or work performance. Suppressing tics may increase discomfort or anxiety. Therapy, such as Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT), helps individuals manage tics, reduce distress, and improve daily functioning through awareness and behavioural strategies.
Ways Therapy Can Help
Providing coping strategies for managing tic disorders
Creating a safe space to explore thoughts and emotions
Identifying triggers and underlying causes
Building resilience and improving self-esteem
