This article discusses ADHD and tics.
In some cases, tics can create barriers to inclusion in certain activities.
For example, it may be challenging to include a person with motor tics in activities such as dance.
Maskot / Getty Images
It can also be challenging for a person with vocal tics to be part of a choir.
Tics can also present problems at work, depending on the punch in of job.
Many people are diagnosed with both disorders.
In some cases, treating anxiety and depression can reduce tics in ADHD.
People with Tourette’s can also experience psychiatric issues, which can make tics worse.
Does ADHD Medication Worsen Tics?
Researchers have speculated as to whether ADHD medication may cause or worsen tics and conflicting research exists.
There are two classes ofmedication for ADHD.
Speak with your healthcare provider for guidance on medication choices for ADHD with tic disorders.
What Can I Do About ADHD and Tics?
ADHD is usuallydiagnosed in children, but it is commonly a lifelong condition.
Tourette’s syndrome, however, can disappear over time.
That means that some people who have both ADHD and tics may outgrow the tics.
However, both children and adults can benefit from treatments that help reduce tics.
Several different approaches can support the management of tics in ADHD.
These include behavioral therapy, medication, self-care, and stress reduction.
Habit reversal is a well-regarded intervention.It teaches people to become aware of their tics by identifying them out loud.
Then, they do something different to help break the tic habit.
Then, they work to change the environment to avoid setting off tics.
They might also create situations in which tics are less noticeable.
When this happens, they may reduce or change the medication to manage the tics.
Self-Care Strategies for Managing Tics
In general, self-care andstress reduction techniquesmay help manage tics.
Summary
Many children and adults with ADHD have tics.
They may be a result of ADHD, or the person may also have Tourette’s syndrome.
Tics may also be associated with anxiety, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, or other medical conditions.
Tics may disappear with age or when a stressful situation changes.
There are medications for tics; however, some may have side effects and may not be entirely successful.
Tics can also often be managed through behavioral therapies and self-care measures.
Sometimes, combining techniques can be particularly effective.
A report by the EMTICS group.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry.
2018;40(1):110-111. doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2395
CHADD.ADHD and tics or Tourette syndrome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
2015;54(9):72836. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2015.06.011
Millichap JG.Risk of tics with psychostimulants for ADHD.Pediatr Neurol Briefs.
2018;6(6):CD007990.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007990.pub3
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tourette syndrome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Behavioral treatment for tics that works.
2021;10(11):2479. doi:10.3390/jcm10112479
