Overview
Conditions characterised by sudden, rapid, recurrent, non-rhythmic motor and/or vocal tics lasting more than one year.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion a: multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic (not necessarily concurrently)
- Criterion b: tics present for more than one year
- Criterion c: onset before age 18
- Criterion d: not attributable to substances or medical conditions
Symptoms
- Motor tics: eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging
- Vocal tics: throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, words or phrases
- Tics fluctuate in frequency and intensity
Impact on functioning
- Difficulty suppressing tics during lessons or quiet activities
- Self-consciousness in peer interactions
- Fatigue from sustained tic suppression
- Disruption to concentration
- Increased stress during transitions or new environments