Introduction
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects over 200,000 people in the United States alone. It is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Many people are familiar with Tourette Syndrome from media portrayals of individuals who experience uncontrollable outbursts of swearing, but this is actually a rare symptom of the disorder. In reality, most people with Tourette Syndrome experience much milder tics.
While Tourette Syndrome is typically diagnosed in childhood, some individuals develop the disorder in adulthood. This raises the question: can you develop Tourette Syndrome later in life? In this article, we’ll explore this question in-depth, as well as many other aspects of Tourette Syndrome, from personal stories to treatment options to misconceptions about the disorder.
Personal Stories
While most individuals with Tourette Syndrome are diagnosed in childhood, there are cases of adults who develop the disorder later in life. For example, one man shared his story with The New York Times. He was 31 years old and working as an engineer when he began to experience tics. They started as small movements, such as blinking and shaking his head, but quickly escalated to more complex tics, such as flailing his arms and shouting.
After seeking treatment from several healthcare professionals, he was finally diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. The diagnosis was a relief, as it helped him understand what he was experiencing and gave him access to treatment options.
Another woman shared her story with The Tourette Association of America. She was in her mid-30s and working as a teacher when she began to experience tics. They started as small movements, such as tapping her feet and rolling her eyes, but they soon escalated to more complex tics, such as jumping and screaming.
After consulting with a neurologist, she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. She felt grateful for the diagnosis, as it explained so many of the strange symptoms she had been experiencing. Like the man mentioned earlier, the diagnosis gave her access to treatment options that could help her manage her tics.
Nature vs. Nurture
The causes of Tourette Syndrome are not fully understood. However, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disorder.
On the genetic side, studies have found that Tourette Syndrome tends to run in families. Individuals with Tourette Syndrome are more likely to have family members with the disorder, and identical twins are more likely to both have the disorder than fraternal twins.
On the environmental side, stress, illness, and sleep deprivation have all been linked to the onset and exacerbation of tics. This suggests that environmental factors may influence the expression of underlying genetic predispositions to Tourette Syndrome.
Trigger Factors
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what triggers Tourette Syndrome, individuals with the disorder often report that their tics are exacerbated by factors such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, and illness. For example, if an individual with Tourette Syndrome is going through a particularly stressful period at work or is suffering from an illness, their tics may become more severe.
However, each person’s experience with Tourette Syndrome is unique, and the factors that trigger their tics may vary. It is important for individuals with Tourette Syndrome to work with their healthcare team to identify which factors exacerbate their symptoms and develop strategies to manage them. For example, some individuals may benefit from stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, there are several treatments available that can help manage symptoms.
Medications such as neuroleptics and alpha-adrenergic agonists can be effective in managing tics. Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can also be helpful in managing the anxiety and stress that often accompany Tourette Syndrome.
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbal supplements have also been explored as options for managing Tourette Syndrome, but their effectiveness is still being studied.
It is important for individuals with Tourette Syndrome to work with their healthcare team to determine which treatments are best for them.
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome. One of the most common misconceptions is that all individuals with Tourette Syndrome experience uncontrollable outbursts of swearing, also known as coprolalia. In reality, coprolalia is a rare symptom of the disorder, and most individuals with Tourette Syndrome experience much milder tics.
Another common misconception is that Tourette Syndrome is a very rare disorder. In fact, it is estimated that Tourette Syndrome affects 1 in 162 children in the United States alone.
Tourette Syndrome and the Workplace
For individuals with Tourette Syndrome, the disorder can significantly impact their ability to work. Tics can be distracting to co-workers, and individuals with Tourette Syndrome may fear discrimination or stigma in the workplace.
Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect individuals with Tourette Syndrome in the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, including Tourette Syndrome.
Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the work environment, such as allowing an individual with Tourette Syndrome to work from home, or flexible scheduling to accommodate medical treatments or therapy sessions. It is important for individuals with Tourette Syndrome to work with their employer to determine what accommodations may be necessary.
Conclusion
Tourette Syndrome is a complex disorder that affects individuals in a variety of ways. While most individuals with Tourette Syndrome are diagnosed in childhood, there are cases of adults who develop the disorder later in life. Understanding the nature of Tourette Syndrome, its triggers, and treatment options can help individuals with the disorder manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Tourette Syndrome, it is important to seek help and support from a healthcare professional. With the right treatment and support, individuals with Tourette Syndrome can thrive in school, work, and social settings.
