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Life's A Twitch! Celebrating 15 years.
1998 - 2018
Life's A Twitch! Celebrating 15 years.

 

Question 11:

Thank-you Duncan for your response to my question concerning our son's sleep disorder. You mentioned quite a few useful things. I had wondered about behavior modification for TS. But the pediatric neurologist that Chase our son sees says that there really is no way to turn the motor off in Chase's brain so easily. I had mentioned to the doctor the idea of getting an aquarium for our son's bedroom in hopes to help relax him at bedtime. He said that we could try but not to hang our hopes on it.

Are the sleep clinics familiar with treating a sleep disorder associated with TS? [Our neurologist] has had to remind me of the physialogical nature of this disorder on more than one occassion. Reminding me of an actual problem with neurotransmitters and the tics not being emotionally induced.....[Our neurologist] is also very conservative with the meds. He doesn't want Chase treated for his tics unless he is hurting himself or unable to be productive. And none of those have occurred so presently he only takes something for bedtime. We too would like to keep him on little meds as possible or none at all.

God Bless you and the ministry that you offer to us folks. You have a gift. Don't give it up. Sincerely, S.H., Texas, USA.


Hello again S.H.:

You are of course very welcome!

 

Concerning b-mod, while I was not talking about behavioural techniques for the TS persay (I was more addressing the sleep disorder component), there are actually a number of cognitive-behavioural techniques for dealing with symptoms of TS, OCD, ADHD, and resulting behavioural and emotional problems (which can often be of greater concern and impact than the disorder symptoms themselves). Many studies exist to demonstrate that these proven techniques can be at least as effective, and in some cases more effective, than drug treatment.

Medical doctors (psychiatrists, neurologists, general practitioners) are not routinely trained in these, and certainly do not receive the nine years of training that psychologists receive, and so it is important when curious about alternative methods to discuss them with someone who is informed in them (a psychologist).

 

Concerning your acquarium idea, I have heard of others using this technique with success. Having training both in neurology and psychology my mindframe is more of a balanced "whatever works" one -- I don't think it is fair for your neurologist to deter you from possible avenues of assistance, and I encourage you to try different creative solutions like this. As with medications there is no "perfect" strategy, but every little bit can potentially help. You don't know until you try.

 

Concerning sleep clinics and their familiarity with TS, I'm sure it would depend upon the clinic, but seeing as sleep disorders are not unusual with TS many have doubtless come across the combination.

 

Concerning the organic nature of TS, your neurolist is absolutely correct about this, however he is demonstrating a fundamental misperception of psychology when he sees the two as mutually exclusive. Psychology and neurology are about level of explanation and not organic versus environment. To put it another way, the study of psychology is more macro than the study of neurology -- psychology is simply what we see happen on the surface when countless billions of neurological events occur. Talking about Tourette Syndrome neurologically or psychologically doesn't assume a different cause for each. Unfortunately the view that psychology is in contrast to neurology is rather prevalent in the medical community. This blinds the profession to some very viable and successful strategies for neurological disorders. Studies exist to demonstrate that ON THE NEUROLOGICAL level 'our' techniques effect the same changes as 'theirs'.

 

Finally, I think your neurologist is showing some very sound judgement regarding his conservatism with meds -- even most experts in the medical community these days (JF. Leckman and J. Walkup are two giants in the field) agree that the "neuroleptic era" is ending and that medications are not necessarily the best, or first, solution anymore.

 

I'm glad I could help, and please excuse my tirade -- I understandably feel very passionate about the dilution that my field often is subject to. Psychological treatments are not a less powerful route for less severe cases, nor are we are all about mothers, penises, and repressed emotional trauma (Freud, incidentally, was a neurologist! :-)

cheers S.H.!
Dr. Dunc.

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Last updated on March 25, 2022

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