Psychoeducational Interventions: What Every Parent and Family Member Needs to Know

Abstract It is important for patients and families to understand the complex manifestations of Tourette syndrome so they can cope efficiently with tics and related symptoms. This chapter examines all the different features (temporal fluctuation in severity, susceptibility to contextual factors, academic and social implications) contributing to the complexity of tics and discusses psychoeducational interventions for patients and families. The practical and emotional challenges faced by parents of children with tics are another important aspect of psychoeducation. Children with tics also face educational and social difficulties in school and are often targets of peer victimization. Psychoeducation for school staff as well as peers may alleviate these difficulties. Adults with tics face discrimination and social victimization in the workplace and tend to be underemployed. Psychoeducation for employers and colleagues about tics as well as about the legal obligations toward individuals with disabilities may mitigate such discrimination.