Are you or your child struggling with a tic disorder?

In most cases, it is not something to worry about. According to studies, tics usually appear around the age of 6 to 8 and are transient, going away in less than one year.

However, in some cases, tics can get worse and continue into adulthood.

Medications may help you reduce your tics. But medicines can't cure tics. You may also worry about the side effects of medication.

In recent years, therapists have started trying Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics. However, CBIT can help reduce tics.

In this blog, you will learn more about CBIT and how it can help. We'll also discuss what tics are and the potential causes of tics.

What is a Tic Disorder?

Before knowing the causes or treatments of tics, let's understand what tics are!

A tic is a problem where you suddenly receive an uncontrollable urge to move a part of your body. It can be irregular and repetitive.

Tics include movements and non-rhythmic repetitive vocalizations, such as grunting, sniffing, throat clearing, etc. Tics can be stopped voluntarily for short periods. Most of these are mild and can't be noticed easily. However, in some cases, they can become severe and affect your life.

There are five different tic disorders: Provisional tic disorder, Persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, Transient Tic Disorder, Chronic Tic Disorder, and Tourette Syndrome (TS).

They differ from each other in terms of the type of tic present (motor or vocal, or a combination of both), and how long the symptoms have been present. People with provisional tic disorder can have motor or vocal tics, or both, but have had their symptoms for less than 1 year. People with persistent motor or vocal tic disorders have either motor or vocal tics and have had tic symptoms for at least 1 year. People with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have both motor and vocal tics and have had tics for at least 1 year. According to studies, TS is less common, and only 1% of children are affected.

Types of Tics

Tics usually appear with an uncomfortable urge, like an itch or tingle. Here are some examples of tics:

Motor tics can include -

Blinking
Grimacing
Shoulder shrugging
Touching objects or other people
Jerking of your limbs or head, etc.

Vocal tics can include -

Grunting
Throat clearing
Coughing
Making unique sounds
Saying and repeating random words or phrases
Swearing, etc.

**Difference Between Motor Tics & Vocal Tics**

Tics are usually not harmful to your overall health. However, it can be painful if you have tics including jerking your head or limbs.

Sometimes, holding back from engaging in the tic is possible, but it requires a lot of effort. Tics can be worse on some days. They may be worse because of –

Emotions such as anxiety, excitement, anger, and fatigue,
Periods of illness,
Tiredness from inadequate sleep, etc.

When you experience tics, it may be difficult for you to be socially active. You may also be subject to bullying because of your tics.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder with a combination of motor and vocal tics. TS is considered chronic. TS is less common than other tic disorders, but also the most severe.

Causes of Tourette Syndrome

The causes of TS are still unknown and not fully understood. It is thought to be a complex disorder that a caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Here is a bit about what we think causes Tourette Syndrome -

Neurological Factors
TS is a neurological disorder. Thus, the first reason that comes to mind is abnormalities in specific brain areas. It can be the basal ganglia, which is involved in controlling movements. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses, may also play a role.
Environmental Factors
There is not much information about environmental causes. However, some theories suggest that some bacterial infections may be the cause. Even immune responses may contribute to the onset of Tourette Syndrome for some individuals.
Genetic Factors
Tourette Syndrome is considered a complex disorder. Meaning it most likely involves multiple genes that can increase a person's risk. There are many cases where we have seen TS running in families.

An effective treatment option for Tics and Tourette Syndrome

For many years, TS patients were prescribed medication as treatment. But in reality, there's no cure for tics. Medications may help control tics, but it's not guaranteed to work. Medications may also cause side effects and lead to other health problems.

Researchers have been working to develop a promising treatment option that does not include medication. They have developed CBIT. Let's learn more –

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

It is a type of behavioral therapy. It is systematic and is tailored to your needs and symptoms.

Here are some common components of CBIT–

Your therapist will help you become more aware of your tics and understand the urge.
You will develop a competing response to assist with not engaging in the tic.
You will examine situations or feelings that can trigger your tics.

CBIT is utilized in various therapeutic contexts, including child therapy and adult therapy, offering tailored approaches for different age groups and needs.

Benefits of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT Therapy)

CBIT is a non-medical, cognitive behavioral therapy for tics. Many people get the wrong idea about tics. They think it's wilful, and people with tics can actively choose to not tic. But it's a misconception. If you try to stop your behaviors by force, it can lead you to more problems including stress and anxiety.

There are various benefits to CBIT. Here are some of them –

Many studies have shown a reduction in tic severity for people with tics.
It can also help to improve your overall ability to function in your daily life.
It is a non-pharmacological approach.
CBIT can assist you with becoming more aware of your tics and urges to tics. It assists you with developing different competing responses when you feel the urge to tic.
CBIT can help you stay in control of your tics and reduce stress. It can also significantly improve your self-esteem.

Can CBIT manage Tic Disorders?

Yes, CBIT is a cognitive behavioral therapy. It's all about managing your tics to reduce them.

If you notice carefully, you or your child will experience an uncomfortable sensations before a tic.

There can be various sensations, such as -

A burning feeling in your eyes,
An increasing tension in your muscles,
Dry throat,
Itching on your limb or joint, etc.

These sensations urge you to perform the tics, making you feel that the feeling can be alleviated only by doing the tics.

CBIT can help you by reversing your habits. Why habit reversal?

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) can be an effective way to reverse your habits and manage your tics. But why focus on habit reversal?

The Foundation of Habit Reversal

Habit reversal is based on the idea that:

You might not be fully aware of your tics.
Tics occur to reduce uncomfortable sensations before they even arise.

During CBIT therapy, a therapist will help you examine your symptoms to determine the pattern of your tics. They will also assess how frequently they occur and what sensations trigger them.

Developing Alternative Behaviors

Once you become aware of your tic, you can develop an alternative competing behavior. This involves finding a less noticeable way to relieve the uncomfortable urge associated with your tic. Over time, this treatment can also alter how your brain processes these urges.

Coping Strategies in CBIT Therapy

Your therapist may teach you various coping strategies to help manage your tics. Some common tips include:

Avoiding excessive stress and anxiety.
Ensuring you get adequate sleep.
Joining a support group of people with similar disorders for shared experiences and support.

Support for Parents

If you're a parent of a child with tics, parenting counseling may help as therapists recommend several strategies to reduce pressure on your child:

Inform your child's teachers and peers about their condition to foster understanding.
Encourage your child to pursue different interests and make new friends to boost their self-esteem.
Avoid pointing out tics when they occur; instead, try to ignore them to reduce your child's self-consciousness.

Additional Therapeutic Techniques

CBIT therapy often includes relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization to help reduce anxiety and the severity of tics.

Understanding the Limits of CBIT

While CBIT can help you control and reduce your tics, it's important to remember that it cannot entirely eliminate Tourette Syndrome. However, it offers a way to manage tics effectively without relying on medication.

By incorporating these strategies, CBIT can be a valuable tool in helping you or your child manage tics and improve quality of life.

Your Perfect CBIT Therapist to Reduce Tics!

To sum up, while you can't stop your tics entirely, you can manage them with Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics. With this treatment, you can learn to confidently navigate daily life challenges and improve your overall quality of life.

If you're considering going for CBIT but still don't know a reliable therapist, visit Snead Psychological Services, PLLC. We have our professionally trained CBIT therapist who can help you develop –

Different coping strategies,
Habit-reversal techniques, and
Relaxation exercises.

Our therapist can help you gain control over your tics without the need for medications. So, take the first step and schedule your consultation today!

Can Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) Help Manage Tourette Syndrome?