Dr. Zhang Hongqin: The key point to distinguish whether a child has Tourette s syndrome or ADHD

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-28

Some children are naughty, blinking, and grimacing in class, and parents often think that their children have ADHDIn fact, these are the manifestations of Tourette's syndrome in children. Regarding Tourette's syndrome and ADHD in children, many parents are easily confused and do not know what the difference between the two is. In fact, to determine whether a child has Tourette's syndrome or ADHD, just look at these points.

1.Look at the behavior

The main manifestations of Tourette's syndrome (tic disorder) are: involuntary tic movements or vocalizations, such as: frequent blinking, squeezing eyebrows, shrugging shoulders, turning the neck, shaking arms, clearing the throat, making strange sounds, etc.

The main manifestations of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are: inattention, excessive activity, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, emotional instability, etc.

2.Look at the time of appearance

Tourette's syndrome is more common at the age of 3 to 8 years, and the symptoms are most severe at the age of 10 to 12 years.

ADHD generally appears at the age of 3-5 years, and the symptoms will persist into adulthood.

3.Look at the time of existence

Tourette's symptoms may lessen with age and brain development. Some children with Tourette's syndrome have complete remission of symptoms in adulthood, and a small number of children continue into adulthood.

ADHD symptoms, such as attention deficit and poor short-term memory, can stay with the patient for life if left untreated.

In reality, Tourette's syndrome and ADHD often exist in the form of comorbidities, and many children with Tourette's syndrome will also suffer from ADHD symptoms, which will increase the complexity and severity of the condition.

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