5 Tourette’s Myths

Wherever there is a lack of understanding there is usually a ton of myths that need to be busted. That is why today we are going to bust some myths about Tourette’s Syndrome.

Myth 1

Everyone with Tourette’s Syndrome shouts out swear words.

Coprolalia is a vocal tic that makes a person shout out socially unacceptable words or phrases.

This tic is involuntary and repetitive and not everyone with Tourette’s has this tic.

In fact, only 1 in 10 people with Tourette’s has coprolalia so in reality most people with Tourette’s don’t have this tic.

Myth 2

People with Tourette’s Syndrome only have vocal tics

Everyone with Tourette’s will have a mixture of both physical and vocal tics.

To be diagnosed with Tourette’s you must have both vocal and motor tics that occur several times a day for over a year.

Myth 3

Everyone who tics has Tourette’s Syndrome

Not everyone who tics has Tourette’s but tourette’s is the most severe type of tic disorder.

To be diagnosed with Tourette’s you must have both vocal and motor tics and they must have been present for over a year.

Myth 4

People with Tourette’s can control their tics

Tics are involuntary and can’t be stopped.

If you have Tourette’s you aren’t able to control your tics but you may be able to manage them for short periods of time.

This can be difficult and take lots of focus to do. Chewing can actually help you to stay regulated and manage tics.

Myth 5

Tourette syndrome can only occur in children

To get a diagnosis of Tourette’s tics must have been seen before the age of 18 years old.

For some people, tics can lessen as they get older and for some, they can even disappear.

Tics aren’t just a childhood thing and can get worse under stress, pressure or fatigue.