Tourette syndrome sufferers rely on exhausting tic suppression, a key therapeutic tool

Tourette syndrome produces involuntary movements and sounds that many patients can momentarily suppress by focusing intensely, though this leads to fatigue and a later surge of tics. The author, a neurologist with two decades of experience, uses Billie Eilish’s recent interview on “Good Hang With Amy Poehler” to illustrate the daily struggle of using “everything in (her) power” to hide symptoms. Tics vary widely among individuals, can wax and wane with stress or concentration, and are often accompanied by anxiety, OCD, or ADHD, which may impact quality of life more than the tics themselves.

Modern treatment builds on the ability to suppress tics, employing comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics to teach competing responses to pre-tic sensations. Large trials have shown this approach reduces tic severity, while medication and, in rare cases, deep-brain stimulation provide further options. Public awareness, exemplified by Eilish’s openness, helps reduce stigma and encourages earlier diagnosis and research.