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Encyclopedia of Adolescence pp 2976–2983Cite as

Tic, Tourettes, and Related Disorders

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Overview

Tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome, are characterized by the presence of motor and/or vocal tics. Habit disorders, otherwise known as body-focused repetitive behaviors, most commonly include hair pulling (Trichotillomania), skin picking, and nail biting. Tics are more colloquially referred to as “twitches” or “spasms” and repetitive behaviors may be more commonly known as “nervous habits” or “fidgeting”. Tic disorders and habit disorders are both fairly prevalent among adolescents and can be associated with distress and impairment. This essay provides a description of these disorders, including their diagnosis and assessment. The populations generally studied in the tic and habit disorder literature are described, and current gaps in understanding of these disorders are highlighted.

Description of Disorders

Tic Disorders

Tics are sudden, rapid, recurrent vocalizations or motor movements (American Psychiatric Association [APA] 2000). Tics can range from simple...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Garland Hall Rm. 224, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., 53211, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Christine A. Conelea, Shana A. Franklin & Douglas W. Woods

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  1. Christine A. Conelea
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  2. Shana A. Franklin
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  3. Douglas W. Woods
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Correspondence to Christine A. Conelea .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, 302 Sycamore Hall, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Roger J. R. Levesque

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Conelea, C.A., Franklin, S.A., Woods, D.W. (2011). Tic, Tourettes, and Related Disorders. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_389

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_389

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