How to Prepare for a Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Examine your family history.

   Since Tourette Syndrome is genetic, ask yourself, "Have any relatives experienced symptoms?" Sometimes, Tourette Syndrome appears to arise spontaneously without any family history of the condition.
   
   Therefore, someone might have the genes, but not experience any symptoms. This is called 'Shadow Tourette Syndrome'.
   
   Whether or not relatives have experienced symptoms does not influence the outcome of a diagnosis, but is helpful information for the doctor to have.
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   Step 2: Categorize your symptoms.

   There are six types of tics (listed from the most common to the most rare):
   Simple Motor Tics
   - eye blinking, throat clearing, head shaking, facial grimaces Simple Phonic Tics
   - repeating certain sounds, grunting, barking, squeaking, sniffing Complex Motor Tics
   - moving whole ligaments, slapping one's head, twisting one's body Complex Phonic Tics
   - repeating entire words or sentences Copropraxia
   - inappropriate gestures Coprolalia
   - saying socially inappropriate phrases, swearing, death threats ,, This is because many Tourette's patients will show the least amount of symptoms when in the doctor's office. , In this case, a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome Plus might be made.
   
   Perhaps the patient might not fit the criteria for a diagnosis, but still experiences some symptoms.
   
   This is called a 'Shadow Syndrome'.
   
   Also consider other possibilities, such as:
   Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
   - involves obsessions (distressing thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors to neutralize the thoughts) Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
   - involves lack of attention Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
   - another term for depression Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
   - difficulties in social situations Autism Spectrum Disorder
   - difficulty communicating, sensory issues, disorganization, and more Learning disabilities
   - include dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. , These are circumstances which worsen the frequency and severity of tic symptoms.
   
   Here are examples of tic triggers:
   Certain emotions or mental states (hyper, anxious, embarrassed) Hearing certain 'triggering words' Intrusive thoughts (if OCD is present) Being in crowded places Being alone with one's thoughts. , This is a feeling of tension or discomfort in the area of the tic.
   
   Some people describe it as the urge to sneeze or scratch an itch. , If so, set an appointment with the doctor. , The first step is 'acceptance'
   
   acknowledging that you have a lifelong condition.
   
   Don't allow the Tourette Syndrome label to define you as an individual. ,, Meet with others with Tourette Syndrome , In severe cases, you may want to consider medication. , This is a scientifically supported method for helping some cases of Tourette Syndrome, ,
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   Step 3: Understand the different manifestations of Tourette's:Transient Tic Disorder: tics that appear and disappear during childhood Chronic Tic Disorder: only motor or phonic tics

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   Step 4: but not both Tourette Syndrome: both motor and phonic tics.

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   Step 5: Ask the patient to keep track of his or her tic frequency and tic severity over time

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   Step 6: or alternatively

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   Step 7: film the patient.

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   Step 8: "Does the patient display any symptoms of a co-morbid condition?"

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   Step 9: Identify tic triggers.

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    Step 10: Identify the 'premonitory' urge.

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    Step 11: Compile all data collected from steps one to seven

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    Step 12: and decide whether or not you fit the diagnostic criteria for Tourette Syndrome.

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    Step 13: Accept.

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    Step 14: Visit the Tourette Syndrome Forum of Canada

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    Step 15: or related forums

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    Step 16: for helpful tips on how to cope with Tourette Syndrome.

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    Step 17: Phone the national Tourette Syndrome office

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    Step 18: and ask if there are any Tourette Syndrome support groups in your area.

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    Step 19: Ask yourself: How much is Tourette Syndrome impacting my life?"

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    Step 20: Learn about Habit Reversal Therapy.

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    Step 21: Learn how to cope with

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    Step 22: or eliminate

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    Step 23: your tic triggers.

Detailed Guide

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