Myths About Tourette's Disorder
Topic Overview
There are many myths about
Tourette's disorder (TD).
Myths about Tourette's disorder
| Myth |
Truth |
|
"Everyone who has Tourette's disorder uses obscene words and gestures."
|
Most people who have the condition do not have this
symptom.
|
|
"People who have Tourette's disorder often 'blow up' and get very angry."
|
People who have Tourette's disorder are no more likely to blow
up than other people. But some people with TD who also have
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or an
anxiety disorder may be more likely than others to
have strong emotional reactions to stress.
|
|
"Adults who have Tourette's disorder drink or have problems with substance abuse."
|
Like many adults, people who have Tourette's disorder may drink
or use drugs. But this type of behavior is not a cause or a direct effect of
the condition.
|
|
"People who have Tourette's disorder can control their tics if they really want to."
|
Some people who have Tourette's disorder are able to control
their tics for short periods of time, but eventually they need to allow the
tics to occur.
|
|
"People who have Tourette's disorder live restricted lives."
|
Most people who have Tourette's disorder live normal
lives.
|
|
"Intelligence is affected in people who have Tourette's disorder."
|
Tourette's disorder does not lower a person's
intelligence.
|
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology |
|
Last Revised
|
July 26, 2011 |
Last Revised:
July 26, 2011