Tourette’s and Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle That Fuels Tics
Anxiety can act as a hidden amplifier of Tourette’s, increasing physical tension, nervous-system arousal and the frequency or intensity of tics. At the same time, the fear of having a tic in public can create even more anxiety, producing a difficult cycle of worry, movement and social discomfort.
In this episode, we explore the biological connection between anxiety and tics, the role of anticipatory anxiety and why trying too hard to suppress symptoms can sometimes make them stronger. We also look at practical ways to lower internal pressure, including predictable routines, diaphragmatic breathing, cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback and mindfulness.
The aim is not to eliminate anxiety completely, but to reduce the power it has over the body and remove some of the emotional fuel that keeps the cycle of tics alive.
You can read the article here!