What Are the Different Types of Tic Disorders?
Tic disorders, which are characterized by involuntary movements, vocalizations, or gestures, usually appear in early childhood. For the most part, these tics typically disappear with maturity. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, those enduring for 12 months or more are defined as chronic as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM further defines the different types of tic disorders according to their frequency and length of expression. Other criteria used to classify tic disorders include the age of onset, as well as the route to manifestation (i.e., vocal or motor). Other criteria help to isolate outside factors that may contribute to tic disorders, such as emotional stress, physical trauma, or medications.
Tic disorders, which are characterized by involuntary movements, vocalizations, or gestures, usually appear in early childhood. For the most part, these tics typically disappear with maturity. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, those enduring for 12 months or more are defined as chronic as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM further defines the different types of tic disorders according to their frequency and length of expression. Other criteria used to classify tic disorders include the age of onset, as well as the route to manifestation (i.e., vocal or motor). Other criteria help to isolate outside factors that may contribute to tic disorders, such as emotional stress, physical trauma, or medications. Transient tic disorders are by far the most common type and can affect up to 20 percent of children under the age of 18 years. As the name implies, these types of tics are usually of short duration and diminish over time withou