Tics: What Are They & What To Do About Them

Your Friendly Child Psychiatrist: Dr Taghrid

Has your child ever experienced sudden urges to sneeze or blink and found resisting nearly impossible? In this episode, I explore the world of tics in children, drawing parallels between these irresistible urges and the premonitory sensations that children with tics experience.

I break down the involuntary nature of tics and their classification into four categories: simple, complex, motor, and vocal. I also discuss the critical nuances of tic suppression and the need for 'purge' periods.

Together, we inspect the intricate dance of diagnosing and treating these conditions, emphasising the importance of addressing co-occurring disorders like ADHD, which might hold the key to mitigating tic symptoms.

Do you have a question or need advice? Connect with Dr. Taghrid.

Support organisations in the UK:

Samaritans - mental health support and suicide prevention, call 116 123 any time for free or text SHOUT to 85258.

Paprus - mental health support and suicide prevention Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.

Childline - support for children and young people and suicide prevention call 0800 1111.

NSPCC - support to prevent or stop child abuse call 0808 800 5000.

Young Minds - support for young people and parents/carers.

Mind - mental health resources and support.

Kooth - online support and counselling.

MindEd - online educational resources on children, young people, adults and older adults' mental health. There are dedicated sections for parents and carers who are concerned regarding their child’s mental health. MindEd offers tips on parenting, advice and information from trusted experts and parents working together. MindEd is also an e-Learning resource for professionals across health, social care, education and youth justice settings.