A New Alternative to Medication for Children with Tourette's

by Kristi Caporoso

Tourette's Syndrome, a disorder that predominantly affects children and is characterized by sudden, uncontrolled movements and/or vocal tics, has previously been treated in almost all cases by medication. However, research on a new form of cognitive behavioral therapy, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT), has shown that behavioral therapy may be a promising new treatment alternative for the disorder. This type of therapy is focused on training kids to recognize the stressors that set off their tics, and help them to manage them and practice a different way to react other than uncontrolled movements.  "A tic usually occurs in response to a spontaneous urge that a person finds uncomfortable or distressing. Executing the tic behavior provides a feeling of relief from the sensation" (Swaminathan). CBIT works towards relieving this distress in a more calm, less disruptive way that distracts from performing the tic. Some of these methods may be deep breathing or other relaxation techniques. One girl who engaged in CBIT saw a decrease in her tics over time almost completely without the use of medication. This is beneficial because while medication helps with tics, it can have certain unwanted side effects. CBIT provides the benefits of medication without the negative side effects. In fact, it can positively affect the patient in other aspects of their life, including boosting their self-esteem and decreasing their overall anxiety level. According to researchers, CBIT works best for those who have Tourette's without many other comorbidities. However, it may be used in combination with other cognitive behavioral therapies to address more than one issue.
Overall, behavioral therapy is looking to be an effective future treatment for Tourette's with positive side effects on the patient.

Source: Monitor on Psychology, Nikhil Swaminathan