Self-hypnosis for Tourette Syndrome and Tics
Dr. Jeffrey Lazarus contacted me a few weeks ago about a recent study he had co-authored on the use of hypnotherapy to help reduce tic symptoms. When we spoke on the phone, he was very […]
Tics and Tourettes: Prevention and Treatment
There’s a saying that genetics loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger. Whether or not you have a family history of Tourette syndrome or related tic disorders, there are several approaches you can take to prevent and treat symptoms.
Doctors often tell people with Tourettes that there is nothing they can do to besides reducing stress: “The tics wax and wane—they come and go on their own.” Some even refer to the process as a “mystery.” Families are apparently expected to just sit back and watch the ups and downs take place. This attitude makes about as much sense as telling people with allergies that their symptoms will “wax and wane,” without explaining which allergens may affect a person’s symptoms.
Of course, doctors would tell their patients why vocal and muscle tics wax and wane—if they knew. But there has been an appalling lack of interest in the role of the environment by leaders in the field. In fact, for the last 18 years, our organization is the only group that has been vigorously exploring a range of factors that can aggravate tics, such as toxic exposures; food sensitivities and food allergy; heavy metals; nutrient imbalances; infection, allergens, and immune system issues.
Our book Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourettes: A Patient and Family Guide gives a comprehensive explanation of non-toxic prevention and treatment options with a review of behavioral approaches, acupuncture and biofeedback; hypnosis may also be helpful.
Families can learn more with our article Finding Triggers for Tics: A Must Read. An integrative physician can assist in determining underlying biological causes of symptoms. While the standard treatment for tics focuses on strong medications that many seek to avoid, ACN Latitudes offers valuable options to patients and families.
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Tourettes, OCD, and PANDAS Linked to Low Levels of Immunoglobulin A
An important food allergy connection Editor: A deficiency in immune function has recently been linked to tic disorders and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). New research from Yale University School of Medicine found low levels of immunoglobulin […]
3 Nutritional Supplements that Helped Stop a Young Boy’s Tics
An advisory board member, Dr. Robbins answered this question received from a reader: “My son is almost 8 years old. He had a terrible fever and flu-like symptoms for a week and a half with […]
Can a Plant Leaf Extract Stop Chronic Tics?
Editor: The plant described here, Clerodendrum inerme, is a shrub grown in the East and parts of Australia. It is used as traditional medicine in some of these countries for skin diseases, beriberi, asthma, and rheumatism, among […]
Can Natural Treatments Help a Chronic Multifocal Tic Disorder?
Caryn Talty In treating her son for Tourette syndrome, Caryn Talty found that guten and corn are the main triggers for her child’s tics and behavioral problems. After making strict dietary changes and introducing nutrients, […]
Can Behavior Therapy Control Tics?
The Wall Street Journal ran a good article on the use of behavioral therapy, also known as habit reversal training. Several years ago, I had a chance to interview Nathan Azrin, PhD, the pioneer who […]
Tracking Down Tic Triggers for Tourette Syndrome
Anytime tics increase in frequency, you should ask yourself what is causing this change in symptoms. This approach applies to motor and vocal tics related to Tourette syndrome as well as to chronic tics or […]
Revisiting the Interaction Between Alcohol, Tourettes and Tics
A reader wrote to ask about the interaction between alcohol and tics or Tourette syndrome. Dr. Albert Robbins, an ACN Latitudes advisory board member, provided the response to that initial question. The answer was featured in our […]