Tourette Syndrome Tics Treatments & How CBD can help?

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that falls under the umbrella of Tic Disorders. This neurological disorder may cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics. Two of the most typical symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are motor and vocal tics, which can range from mild to severe.

Common Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome

1. Motor Tics

These are sudden, repetitive movements. They can either be simple (brief, isolated) movements like eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, etc. or more complex coordinated movements involving multiple muscle groups, for example: hopping, touching objects, or even mimicking others.

2. Vocal Tics

Vocal tics involve involuntary sounds or words, such as grunting, throat clearing, sniffing, or lesser found symptoms like coprolalia, that is, shouting obscenities.

3. Associated Conditions

Many individuals with TS also experience:

a) ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

60-80% of people diagnosed with Tourette’s are also affected by ADHD, which is one of the most common mental disorders characterised by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Usually ADHD is diagnosed before the motor or vocal tics start setting in, but in some cases they may also emerge around the same time.

b) OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

While Tourette Syndrome is characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics, OCD involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Up to 50% of people with TS also have OCD, and many with OCD experience mild tics.

Both conditions are linked to dysregulation in brain circuits involving dopamine, serotonin, and the basal ganglia.

c) Anxiety and depression

Dealing with Tourette’s is not easy, the prevalent social stigma often leads to poor treatment of people with the disorder. Many individuals with Tourette Syndrome experience anxiety and depression as a consequence, and anxiety can worsen tics, creating a vicious cycle where stress triggers more involuntary movements or vocalizations.

Depression in TS may stem from social isolation, bullying, or the emotional toll of managing chronic symptoms.

d) Sleep disturbances

Tourette Syndrome (TS) often disrupts sleep due to persistent tics, anxiety, or hyperactivity, leading to insomnia, restless sleep, or frequent awakenings. Poor sleep can worsen daytime tics and mood, creating a challenging cycle.

Tourette Syndrome Treatments

There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but treatments aim to reduce tics and improve quality of life.

Behavioral Therapy

• CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics): Teaches patients to recognize tic urges and replace them with less noticeable movements. This therapy helps patients to recognize the urge that precedes tics and develop competing behaviors to interrupt the cycle. Many individuals find success through habit reversal training, which helps them replace tic movements with less noticeable actions.
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Helps manage OCD-related symptoms.
• Emerging Treatments: The treatment landscape continues evolving, with new medications in development that may offer fresh hope for those who haven't found relief with current options. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach which includes behavioral and pharmacological therapy. Emerging therapies and recent advances for Tourette syndrome - PMC, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare teams that understand the complexity of Tourette Syndrome.

Medications for Tourette Syndrome

Common medications include:

• Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (Clonidine, Guanfacine) : Help reduce tics and impulsivity.
• Antipsychotics (Haloperidol, Risperidone) : These block dopamine to suppress tics but may cause side effects like weight gain and drowsiness.
• Botox injections : Used for severe motor tics.

While these treatments can be effective, many patients experience side effects, leading them to seek natural alternatives like CBD.

How CBD Can Help with Tourette Syndrome

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it does not cause a "high" but interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood, pain, and motor control.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Tourette Syndrome

1. Reduces Tic Frequency and Severity

Studies suggest that CBD may help regulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to tics. A 2019 study in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry found that cannabinoids could reduce tics in treatment-resistant TS patients.

2. Alleviates Anxiety and Stress

Many Tourette’s patients experience anxiety, which worsens tics. CBD, having anti-anxiety effects, helps promote relaxation without sedation.

3. Improves Sleep Quality

As mentioned above, one of the common conditions associated with Tourette’s is sleep disturbance. CBD is known to help regulate sleep cycles by reducing nighttime anxiety and muscle spasms. Its anti-anxiety effects also come into play here, as it eases any anxiety interfering with sleep.

4. Minimizes Side Effects Compared to Pharmaceuticals

Unlike antipsychotics, CBD is non-addictive and well-tolerated with minimal side effects (e.g., dry mouth, mild drowsiness).

Conclusion: Is CBD Worth it?

While more clinical research is needed, CBD shows promise as a natural supplement for managing Tourette Syndrome symptoms. Unlike traditional medications, it offers a gentler approach with fewer side effects.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Tourette’s, Qurist’s CBD products could be a worthwhile addition to your treatment plan. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting CBD, especially if taking other medications.