Tic suppression in Tourette’s: a grueling but pivotal step in treatment
Many people with Tourette syndrome suppress their tics for hours in social situations, a demanding practice that is not voluntary but can be harnessed therapeutically. Tic suppression is a cornerstone of treatments like comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT), which teaches recognizing pre-tic sensations and employing competing responses to reduce tic frequency. While suppression can be exhausting, clinical trials show it can strengthen self-regulation and lessen tic severity; public figures like Billie Eilish help reduce stigma and encourage earlier evaluation, highlighting the need for awareness and continued research into better treatments.
