Some children may be very active as they grow. However, if a child exhibits symptoms such as repetitive tics and involuntary throat clearing, parents should be alert, as this may not be typical ADHD, but rather Tourette syndrome. This neurological disorder generally develops between the ages of 5 and 10. In this episode of “Shan Fang Health,” let’s learn about the symptoms and causes of this disorder.
11-year-old Xie Hanzhen is an extrovert who enjoys sports and making friends. But two years ago, he began experiencing involuntary tics that affected his social skills and caused his mother great concern.
When his mother told him to stay still, his twitching only intensified. So his mother took him to see a neurologist, who diagnosed him with Tourette syndrome.
Han Zhen’s tics persisted for over a year and became increasingly severe, requiring medication to control the symptoms. People with Tourette syndrome often face discrimination from others, and are sometimes even misunderstood as mischievous.
Tourette syndrome also causes Hanzhen to feel frustrated because he can’t concentrate on his studies. However, he is sensible and often appears strong. His mother is deeply encouraged by him and actively ensures that he receives regular treatment to learn to control his tics.
Whenever Han Zhen faces stress, his tics become more frequent. Currently, Han Zhen receives behavioral therapy every few months to learn self-control and relieve tension.
As for Han Zhen’s mother, she originally felt lost and helpless, but later she made friends with several parents abroad through social platforms. Their children also had Tourette syndrome, so they were able to encourage and support each other.
According to statistics, for 30% of patients, the symptoms of tics will gradually improve when they reach their 20s or 30s.
