How to Treat Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by tics, tremors and sometimes vocal outbursts. Though there is no known cause or cure for the condition, there are ways to treat it. Some methods target alleviation of the physical attributes of Tourette's, while other avenues of treatment focus on the mental anguish that results from living with the disorder. Here are a few ways to treat Tourette's Syndrome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Monitor the condition for several months. Record symptoms and the frequency of their appearances. Note how often outbursts disrupt social events or personal activities. Establish a baseline for these symptoms to set a goal for a treatment plan.
2. Take prescribed medication to alleviate the physical disorders associated with Tourette's Syndrome. Antipsychotics can help, and so can clonidine, a blood pressure medicine.
3. Consider psychotherapy or behavior therapies to help cope with Tourette's Syndrome. Understanding the condition and learning to live with it can go a long way toward easing the depression that often accompanies this disorder.
4. Try relaxation techniques. These can help ease the stress and anxiety that are a part of suffering from Tourette's Syndrome. Reducing stress can also lessen tics and tremors.
5. Open your mind to alternative methods of treatment, including diet modifications, biofeedback and deep brain stimulation. Though none are clinically proven, any of these treatments may be worth trying to treat Tourette's Syndrome.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider family counseling to help those around you understand and deal with the disorder.
• There are some side effects associated with some medications used to treat nervous manifestations of Tourette's Syndrome. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.