How can tics be treated?

General Information

Choosing the right treatment requires careful consideration and consultation between the treatment specialist and the parents and child. In a number of cases, it is necessary to monitor the developments over a certain period of time.

With respect to the treatment of tics, a number of basic principles apply:

The tics themselves do not always have to be treated. They may disappear over time by themselves, either completely or to a large extent. There is no perfect treatment for tics. The advantages of a treatment should always be weighed against possible adverse effects. The parents and child should not assume that the tics will necessarily disappear entirely when starting a treatment. It should be seen as a success if the tics are brought back to a level where they are no longer a nuisance to the child. Two types of possible treatment options are available: medication or behavioural therapy. Any treatment should start with a thorough explanation of the background of the disorder (psychoeducation).