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cont. from
Is it important to treat Tourette Syndrome early?
Yes, if the symptoms of
Tourette Syndrome are disruptive or frightening. The
symptoms portrayed may provoke ridicule and rejection by peers, neighbors,
teachers and even casual observers. Parents may be overwhelmed by the
strangeness of their child's behavior. The child may be threatened, excluded
from family activities and prevented from enjoying normal interpersonal
relationships. These difficulties may become greater during adolescence, an
especially trying period for young people and even more so for a person coping
with a neurological problem. Early diagnosis and treatment is advisable to avoid
psychological harm.
Does Tourette Syndrome affect career planning?
In some cases, yes, but remember most people have very mild
TS. However, a growing number of people with moderate to severe TS have achieved
success in such diverse fields as medicine, engineering, law, journalism, sports
and computer science. In addition, many others are training at community
colleges in the technical and trade fields.
How did Tourette Syndrome get its name?
In 1825 the first case of TS was reported in medical
literature by Dr. Itard. It was a description of the Marquise de Dampierre, a
noblewoman whose symptoms included involuntary tics of many parts of her body
and various vocalizations including echolalia and coprolalia. She lived to the
age of 86 and was again described in 1883 by Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette,
the French neurologist for whom the disorder was named. Samuel Johnson, the
lexicographer and André Malraux, the French author, are among the famous people
who are thought to have had TS.
How many people have Tourette Syndrome?
Since many people with TS have yet to be diagnosed there are
no absolute figures. Recent genetic studies suggest that the figure may be one
in two hundred when those with chronic and transient tics are included in the
count.
What is the current focus of research?
Recently there has been more research aimed at understanding
how the disorder is transmitted from one generation to the next and researchers
are working toward locating the gene marker for TS. That focus has been enhanced
by the efforts of an international group of scientists who have formed a unique
network to share what they know about the genetics of TS. Additional insights
will be obtained from studies of large families (kindreds) with numerous members
who have TS. At the same time, investigators continue to study specific groups
of brain chemicals to better understand the syndrome and to develop new and
improved medications. Work is also ongoing to identify sub-groups of people with
TS.
What kinds of family services exist?
The Tourette Syndrome
Association has affiliates
across the country to help families with TS. Local chapter or "support" meetings
allow families to exchange ideas and feelings about their common problems.
Parents of a child with Tourette Syndrome have to walk a fine line between understanding and
over-protection. They are periodically faced with deciding whether or not
certain actions are the expression of TS or just manipulative behavior. Parents
then must determine the appropriate response. A child should be encouraged to
control socially unacceptable behavior whenever possible, and to try to
substitute what is socially acceptable for what is not. Parents are urged to
give their children with TS the opportunity for as much independence as
possible, while gently but firmly limiting attempts by some children to use
their symptoms to control those around them.
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Tourette Syndrome: Myths and Facts
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Reviewed: 03/2006
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