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Pediatrics
Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents
TIC Disorders in Children and Adolescents
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Topics in Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents
  • Overview of Mental Disorders in Children
  • Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
  • TIC Disorders in Children and Adolescents
  • Childhood Schizophrenia
  • Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents
  • Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents
  • Disruptive Behavioral Disorders
  • Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents
 
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TIC Disorders in Children and Adolescents

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Tics are defined as sudden, rapid, and repeating muscle movements often associated with vocalizations.

Tics occur in a wide variety of disorders. Transient tic disorders occur in up to 25% of children—most commonly in boys. Typically, tics do not occur during sleep and can be controlled voluntarily for short periods of time. Stress and fatigue can make these tics worse.

Eventually, most tics disappear spontaneously. However, in fewer than 1% of children, tics persist. Such tics may lead to a diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome (see Neurologic Disorders in Children: Tourette's Syndrome), or they may be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, some infections, or certain drugs (eg, stimulants).

Usually, no treatment is required. If tics persist and are bothersome (eg, as in Tourette's syndrome), drugs may be used.

Last full review/revision April 2009 by Hugh F. Johnston, MD

Content last modified February 2012

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