Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics. Over the years, a number of myths and misunderstandings have arisen around this condition, leading to a lack of understanding and stigmatization of people who suffer from it. In this article, we will explore some of the most common myths about Tourette Syndrome and why they are false.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Before addressing the myths about Tourette Syndrome, it is essential to understand what this condition consists of. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that manifests itself in childhood, generally between 4 and 6 years of age. It is characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics that are involuntary and repetitive.
Motor tics are sudden, involuntary movements of a part of the body, such as blinking, shrugging the shoulders, or making hand gestures. On the other hand, vocal tics are non-verbal sounds or words that are uttered involuntarily, such as grunts, throat clearing or profanities.
Although Tourette Syndrome is best known for tics, it can also be associated with with other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or anxiety disorders.
5 Myths about Tourette Syndrome
1. Tics are purely voluntary or sought
One of the most widespread myths about Tourette Syndrome is that people who suffer from it can control their tics and that they deliberately use them to attract attention or bother others. . This is completely false.
Tics in Tourette Syndrome are involuntary, which means that the person has no control over them. Trying to suppress tics can create a feeling of discomfort and tension that only makes the problem worse. It is important to understand that people with Tourette's do not choose to have tics nor do they use them as a form of manipulation.
2. All people with Tourette Syndrome swear
Another common myth is that all people with Tourette Syndrome have coprolalia, which is the involuntary utterance of obscene or inappropriate expressions. Although coprolalia is a symptom that may occur in some people with Tourette, it is not representative of all cases.
It is estimated that less than 15% of people with Tourette Syndrome experience coprolalia. Vocal tics can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including simple sounds, random words, or complete sentences. It is important not to generalize or stigmatize all people with Tourette's as having coprolalia.
3. People with Tourette have mental or intelligence problems
Another harmful myth is the belief that people with Tourette Syndrome have mental or intelligence problems. Tourette's is not related to cognitive impairment or lower intellectual functioning.
People with Tourette's have a range of intellectual abilities equal to that of the general population. It is important not to stereotype or discriminate against people with Tourette's based on false beliefs about their cognitive ability.
4. Tics always get worse over time
Some people believe that tics in Tourette Syndrome always get worse over time and that there is no chance of improvement. However, the evolution of tics in Tourette's is variable and can fluctuate throughout the person's life.
In many cases, tics tend to decrease in intensity and frequency over time, especially in adolescence and adulthood. There are treatments and management strategies that can help people with Tourette's control their tics and improve their quality of life.
5. Tourette Syndrome is a rare disorder
It is often thought that Tourette Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects a small number of people. However, Tourette's is more common than is believed, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 162 children between the ages of 5 and 17.
Tourette's is a chronic disorder that can have a significant impact on the lives of people who suffer from it, as well as their families and social environment. Increasing awareness and understanding of Tourette Syndrome is essential to combating the myths and stigmatization surrounding this condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to demystify misconceptions. about Tourette Syndrome and promote greater understanding and empathy towards people who suffer from it. Myths and stereotypes about Tourette's can have a negative impact on the lives of those living with this condition, making it difficult to accept and include them in society.
By educating ourselves about Tourette Syndrome and challenging the myths that around you, we can help create a more understanding and respectful environment for all people, regardless of their differences. Accurate information and awareness are key to eliminating stigmatization and promoting the inclusion of people with Tourette's in the community.