Tourette Syndrome Plus - Conditions - Section Contents and Introduction

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INFORMATION SECTION: CONDITIONS
INTRODUCTION

In clinical settings, it is common to see children or adults who have more than one problem or condition. When I first started writing about TS+, I did not really understand the reasons for the co-occurrence of certain disorders. Over the years, advances in genetics and neuroscience have helped us all understand that some disorders do, indeed, "go together." For example, Tourette's Syndrome is often accompanied by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, while Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is often accompanied by other anxiety disorders and mood disorders such as depression or Bipolar Disorder.

All of the disorders covered on this web site have been linked to dysfunction in the basal ganglia, a group of structures in the brain that regulate motor control, learning, and behavior. The basal ganglia are also involved in pathways to the frontal lobes, structures in the brain involved in attention, memory, and the executive functions.

For each of the conditions covered on this site, keep in mind that some people will have mild symptoms of one condition with no other problems, while others will have moderate or severe symptoms, or a number of other associated features or disorders. Knowing what else to look for or be curious about is helpful, particularly since it may not be the individual's diagnosed condition that poses their major challenge to successful functioning but the associated or co-morbid conditions that no one ever diagnosed or mentioned to you. The importance of being aware of what else might emerge or develop is particularly relevant to parents and educators, because not all disorders emerge at the same developmental stage. A child who has one diagnosis at age 5 may develop symptoms of other disorders in subsequent years or in adolescence.

Each condition in this Information Section has its own menu, with articles, references, and links to help you learn more about their diagnostic features, impact, and treatment.

CONDITIONS

Anxiety Disorders
Overview of non-OCD anxiety disorders such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is one of the most common -- and most impactful -- disorders in children. ADHD can intefere with academic, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning and poses a major challenge to adults who may it find it difficult to get or keep jobs or important relationships.

Executive Dysfunction
Know someone who seems "terminally disorganized," or who has trouble planning, completing projects, and managing their time? Or maybe they cannot follow multiple-step directions? Learn about the executive functions, and their counterpart, Executive Dysfunction.

Mood Disorders
Mood disorders such as depression and Bipolar Disorder pose health and safety issues as well as academic and behavioral issues.

Obsessions and Compulsions
Intrusive thoughts and/or ritualized behaviors can be seriously impairing in children and adults.

P.A.N.D.A.S.
Acute-onset tics or obsessive-compulsive symptoms or dramatic flare-ups -- could they be due to infections?

Pervasive Developmental Disorders
An overview of autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, PDDNOS, and nonverbal learning disorders.

"Rage Attacks" or "Storms"
Know someone with explosive behavior that seems totally out of character? "Rage attacks," "storms," or "meltdowns" could be caused by a number of different problems.

Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory integration is a maturational process, but abnormal integration or delay might lead to behavioral and emotional symptoms.

Sleep Disorders
Sleep problems are a common but often overlooked source of school and behavior problems. Learn some practical tips for getting a better night's sleep.

Tourette's Syndrome
An extensive primer on tics and Tourette's, with articles on treatment, poetry and creative writing, and resource listings.

CONDITIONS - POINTS OF INTEREST

Remember that information on school-related issues for many of these conditions is included in the Education section of this site where you can find tips and strategies for accommodating students in the classroom.

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