How to Choose the Right Treatment for Tourrette Syndrome

Because a person with Tourrette Syndrome can suffer from a number of other conditions such as attention deficit disorder, depression, over compulsive disorder and bipolar, among other problems, treatment can be difficult at times. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to treat the other conditions. However, it depends on the severity of the TS symptoms. Below you'll find some conventional treatments, as well as some alternative methods to help you choose the best treatment for your individual situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Inform yourself. Whether you'll need treatment or not, the first thing you need to do is research Tourette syndrome to make an informed decision along with your doctor.
2. Determine what environmental changes you can make to alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, this is all you need to do.
3. Take note of whether you see a pattern for the tics. For some, this can happen after eating, at certain locations or after breathing certain chemicals.
4. Learn about Habit Reversal Therapy. Some medical professionals are using HRT to treat TS. According to Leslie E. Packer, PhD., “habit reversal generally involves making the patient aware of the tic or the urge to tic building up and training the patient to engage in a response that would be muscularly competing or incompatible with the tic.”
5. Do research on Deep Brain Stimulation. DBS is another procedure for treating TS. You can go to tourrettesyndrome.net
   for more information regarding this procedure.
6. Visit the Tourrette Syndrome Plus website for a list of conventional medications and their side effects if you decide to take conventional medication.
7. Be proactive in researching Chinese medicine, homeopathy, natural supplements, and other alternative methods helpful in the treatment of TS. Some families are having positive results by implementing some of these procedures.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the conventional medications have serious side effects. Make sure to ask your doctor what they are, and do a search on the prescribed medication.