Pediatric Prevention

It is not clear whether the development of tics can be prevented. Contextual variables can impact tic expression; therefore, shifting attention to behaviors that reduce tics is an important part of decreasing tic severity. Several medications are effective in reducing tic severity, but side effects restrict their use. Behavioral treatment is the gold standard psychotherapy intervention for tic disorders, with Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics being the most well-supported nonpharmacological treatment. Although children may be unable to prevent the development of tics, they can still use several strategies to reduce tic severity and impairment.