Tics and Tourette's syndrome
NHS Tayside RefGuide
Warning
Who to refer
- When tics are causing severe distress or are impacting adversely on social and educational functioning.
Who not to refer
- If the tics are secondary to anxiety, then a holistic view is best and it's worth referring to our guidance on anxiety.
- If the tics are part of a neurodevelopmental disorder, then a community paediatrician may be more appropriate as the first point of referral.
How to refer
- If tics are the sole presentation or appear secondary to anxiety refer via CAMHS mental health pathway
- If there is an existing neurodevelopmental diagnosis and tics are the reason for referral refer via CAMHS mental health pathway.
- If there is an additional neurodevelopmental concern to be considered alongside tics then follow relevant (ADHD/ADD/ASD/intellectual disability) referral guidance.
- Tics are fast, repetitive muscle movements that result in sudden and difficult to control body jolts or sounds.
- They are fairly common in childhood and typically first appear at around 5 years of age. Very occasionally they can start in adulthood.
- Tics are not usually serious and normally improve over time. But they can be frustrating and interfere with everyday activities.
- Tourette's syndrome is a term that's used when tics have lasted for more than a year.
Families often seek help when:
- A young person is becoming self conscious about their tics
- The tics are a focus for teasing or bullying.
Useful resources
- Tourettes Action (useful resources for patients, parents and professionals)
- Tourette Scotland (local resources)
- NHS inform - Tourette’s syndrome