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Question:  My 11 year old daughter has developed a nervous tic. Our family doctor wasn't too concerned, he said to ignore it and eventually it will go away of its own accord. That was just over a month ago and if anything, the problem has gotten worse. How would a psychologist treat a tic disorder... would you classify it as a type of anxiety? Thanks, Sharon

 
Answer (1)  Well, a tic can have many causes and without knowing a great deal more detail than is available, it would be impossible to diagnose what's behind it. Be on the look out for any situation where the tic becomes more prevalent or pronounced and this might alert you to what the possible triggers may be and perhaps the nature of the anxiety. I've never been a big fan of ignoring things in the hope they'll just go away of their own accord. After a month of worsening symptoms, I would be actively seeking out a competent child psychiatrist or experienced child therapist, who has successfully worked with this sort of thing before.

Answer provided by David White, Psychotherapist

Answer (2)  A month is a long time when you are a parent. The GP may be right, I have no expertise in this area. If you are concerned, however, I would suggest a referral to a psychologist who specialises in childhood problems. Whether the tic is physiological, or has a psychological significance, cannot safely be answered without a proper, in-person assessment. This should ensure you get advice appropriate to your daughter's age and development. It is probably as important for you, as the child's parent, to have your concerns met and addressed by a child-specific practitioner.

Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor

Answer (3)  I would not classify a tic as a type of anxiety but rather as a possible symptom of anxiety. If a thorough medical examination has not uncovered a neurological or other organic cause, I believe that a referral to a child psychotherapist is indicated. Tics tend to occur with a cluster of related symptoms, and an assessment will assist you in deciding how to proceed.

Answer provided by Dr Wendy Sinclair, Psychotherapist

 
Answer (4)  Hi Sharon. Tics are quite common in children with an estimated 5% to 24% of all school-age children developing them at some stage, often for short periods. There are a range of motor and vocal tics that are common with some being more of a nuisance to the child than others. Without a comprehensive assessment of your daughter it is difficult to understand the cause, the full extent of the problem or suggest a treatment approach. A psychologist experienced in working with children may also be able to provide some advice about classroom accommodations or educational adjustments that may be useful to you.

Answer provided by Brett O'Connor, Psychologist