Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Tics are sudden, repeated movements or sounds that a person cannot fully control. Tic disorders range from short-lived tics in childhood to Tourette syndrome, which involves several motor tics and at least one vocal tic for over a year. Many tics settle with time, and therapy can help.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Repetitive, involuntary movements
- Repetitive sounds or words
- Urge to tic
- Worsening with stress or excitement
How it is usually treated
- Habit Reversal Training
- Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics
- Antipsychotic medication
- Clonidine
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child blinks or makes sounds again and again”
- “I cannot stop sudden movements or noises”
- “The tics get worse with stress”
- “People stare at my tics”
People who live with tic disorders and Tourette syndrome may also notice ADHD, OCD or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Seek help soon if tics are painful, cause injury or lead to teasing and distress. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if there is any thought of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist or paediatric neurologist observes the tics and asks about how long they have lasted and what makes them worse. They check for ADHD, OCD and anxiety, which often accompany tics.
Treatment and support
- Education for the child, family and school
- Habit reversal training and comprehensive behavioural intervention for tics (CBIT)
- Treating related OCD, ADHD or anxiety
- Reducing stress and teasing at school
- Medical review where tics are severe, under a doctor's care
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess tics and related conditions and guide behavioural therapy. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist takes a detailed history from you, and from parents or teachers for a child, across home, school and work.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist leads the assessment and treatment plan. A clinical psychologist can help with skills, routines and support at school or work.
Between sessions
Reviews look at day-to-day functioning, and family involvement is built into the plan.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Do tics go away on their own?
Many childhood tics fade within a year or so. Tics that last longer than a year may be a persistent tic disorder or Tourette syndrome.
Is Tourette syndrome caused by bad parenting or stress?
No. Stress can make tics worse, but it does not cause them.
Can tics be treated?
Yes. Behavioural therapy such as CBIT helps many people.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
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