The first time you notice your child’s shoulder jerk or a sudden throat sound, your stomach drops. Is it a habit? A tic? Should you wait, or act? Here’s a grounding truth: tics are common in childhood, and with the proper roadmap, you can move from panic to a practical plan.
You’re probably searching for ‘what is a tic disorder’ while juggling school emails, worried glances from relatives, and a YouTube rabbit hole of “natural remedies for tics.” I get it. You want options, safe ones, sensible ones, that don’t ignore the nervous system or the immune system.
This guide keeps things simple and practical. You’ll learn what a tic disorder is, why labels don’t tell the whole story, and how the gut–brain–immune network can drive signs. You’ll get an evidence-informed testing pathway, realistic “alternatives to tic -,” and where tools like diet, supplements, mindfulness for tic reduction, and even essential oils fit in, without the hype. Ready to swap guesswork for a game plan? Let’s start.
Key Takeaways
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What is a tic disorder? It involves sudden, brief, recurrent motor or vocal tics that wax and wane, with Tourette syndrome diagnosed when both types persist for over a year before age 18.
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Look beyond the label: tics often reflect gut–brain–immune interactions, so track triggers like stress, illness, sleep loss, antibiotics, and food reactions to guide action.
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Start testing in tiers: begin with Tier 1 basics (CBC, CMP, ESR/CRP, thyroid, iron, vitamin D/B12/folate), add targeted GI and cytokine tests only if history points that way, and reserve advanced genomics/imaging for complex cases.
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Prioritize evidence‑based interventions: anti‑inflammatory nutrition, sleep routines, probiotics/prebiotics when GI signs exist, CBIT for skills-based tic reduction, and medications if tics significantly impair life.
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Avoid common pitfalls by changing one variable at a time, keeping a 2‑week tic log, coordinating school accommodations, and using a simple “Tic Toolkit” to track progress and refine your plan for what is a tic disorder.
Table of Contents
Why this matters
When you’re anxious, a label can feel like a life raft: Tourette’s, chronic motor tic disorder, PANS/PANDAS. But labels describe patterns: they don’t explain them.
Here’s the bigger picture: tic disorders often sit at the crossroads of your child’s nervous system and immune-metabolic health. The gut–brain axis, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter balance work like three gears; when one slips, the others grind. Stress, infections, nutrient gaps, or toxins can nudge those gears.
What you’ll find here is a parent-first blueprint: clear definitions, what research actually suggests, which tests are worth starting with, a stepwise plan you can discuss with your clinician, a real-world case vignette, and when signs signal you should seek urgent care. We’ll also touch on natural remedies for tics, diet and tic disorders, supplements for Tourette’s Syndrome, and thoughtful alternatives to tic -, rooted in safety and common sense.
The goal isn’t to slap on more labels. It’s to spot patterns you can change, so your child can breathe easier, move more freely, and feel like themself again.
What is a Tic Disorder?
Tics are sudden, rapid, recurrent movements or sounds your child doesn’t fully control. They can feel like a sneeze you can’t stop; there’s an urge, a release, and then relief.
Tics often wax and wane. They’re louder during stress or excitement and quieter when your child is intensely focused. Many kids have transient tics that fade within a year. Others have persistent motor or vocal tics, or both. When both are present for more than a year with onset before 18, clinicians consider Tourette syndrome.
Diagnostic definitions (DSM/ICD)
The DSM-5-TR and ICD classify tic disorders by duration and type:
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Provisional (transient) tic disorder: motor and/or vocal tics present for less than 12 months.
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Persistent (chronic) motor or vocal tic disorder: either motor or vocal tics (not both) for 12 months or longer.
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Tourette syndrome: both motor and vocal tics present for more than a year, starting before age 18, not due to substances or another medical condition.
Onset is usually between 5 and 10 years old. Signs can shift over time; an eye blink might give way to a sniff or a shoulder roll. That shape-shifting is normal.
Signs parents notice
You’ll often see eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder jerks, neck twitches, sniffing, throat clearing, humming, or short words. Many kids report premonitory urges, an itchy, buzzy feeling that a tic releases.
A simple observational checklist you can copy:
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What does the tic look or sound like? (Describe the movement/sound.)
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How often does it happen? (Count in a 1–2 minute window.)
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When is it better/worse? (Stress, illness, screens, bedtime, certain foods?)
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Any new infections, antibiotics, or illnesses?
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Any GI signs, bloating, constipation, or belly pain?
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Do sleep, exercise, or being outdoors change things?
Bring this log to your clinician; it’s gold.
Why the “Label” Isn’t the Whole Story
“It’s neurological” is true, but incomplete. Your child’s brain doesn’t live in a bubble: it’s in conversation with the immune system, hormones, and the microbiome all day long.
Think of a three-system model:
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Immune dysregulation: after infections or chronic exposures, immune signals can stay revved up.
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Neuroinflammation: microglia, the brain’s immune cells, can inflame circuits in the basal ganglia/striatum that fine‑tune movement.
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Neurotransmitter imbalance: dopamine and GABA balance can tilt, making tics more likely.
Reviews and animal studies tie striatal inflammation to tic-like behaviors, while human data show patterns of elevated cytokines (like IL‑6, IL‑12, TNF‑alpha) in subsets of kids with tic disorders. Family studies also note higher autoimmune conditions among relatives.
Bottom line? The recognition opens the door, but the underlying pattern, gut, immune, stress, sleep, environment, guides which levers you can pull. That’s where food, sleep, targeted supplements, behavioral tools, and, yes, medications or CBIT can work together instead of fighting for the spotlight.
The Brain–Gut Axis and Tics
The brain-gut axis is the way your child’s gut talks to the brain all day: through nerves, immune signals, and tiny metabolites made by microbes. When the gut is off, the brain listens.
How the microbiome talks to the brain
Picture a busy highway:
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Vagus nerve: a direct phone line from the gut to the brain. Calming gut signals can cool brain arousal.
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Immune signaling: gut bacteria influence cytokines, which can cross‑talk with the brain’s immune cells.
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Metabolites: short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate) help nourish the gut lining and may steady microglia and dopamine pathways.
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Permeability: when the gut barrier is leaky, more immune “noise” reaches the brain, think static on a radio.
Stress, ultra‑processed foods, antibiotics, and infections can reshape this ecosystem. Sometimes that shift is temporary: sometimes it lingers.
What research shows in tics
From 2020–2024, several studies reported microbiome differences in children with tic disorders, with shifts in genera-like Bacteroides and Ruminococcus compared to controls. Signals of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and clostridia species have shown up in subsets, too. A few small pilots found that probiotic or diet interventions could modestly reduce tic severity scores, which is early but encouraging.
Is this an aid? No. But it’s a real lever. When GI testing shows dysbiosis or inflammation, pairing diet upgrades with targeted probiotics/prebiotics and, when indicated, treating SIBO can calm the gut–brain chatter.
Practical red flags for gut involvement
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Frequent belly pain, constipation, or loose stools.
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Tics flare after antibiotics or an illness.
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Strong reactions to certain foods (dairy, artificial dyes/flavors, high‑sugar days).
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Damp/musty home history or water damage (biotoxin exposure).
If you’re nodding along, add gut-focused steps to your plan.
Immune Dysregulation & Inflammatory Markers
When your child’s immune system stays on “alert,” it can nudge brain circuits toward tics. You can’t see cytokines, but you can measure some.
Cytokines and immune footprints
Research has found higher levels of IL‑6, IL‑12, and TNF‑alpha in subsets of kids with tics and Tourette syndrome. Elevated markers don’t prove cause, but they’re a smoke signal. Paired with ESR/CRP, they can show whether there’s a simmering fire and whether an intervention is cooling it down over time.
Think patterns, not perfection: a mildly elevated IL‑6 plus a recent infection history and a flare after strep gives you a trail to follow. A clean panel doesn’t rule out brain‑level inflammation, but it helps you decide what to test next.
Family autoimmune patterns & epidemiology
Population studies report higher rates of autoimmune conditions in first‑degree relatives of kids with tic disorders. Maternal autoimmune conditions during pregnancy have also been linked to increased risk in offspring. What does that mean for you? Two things:
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Don’t ignore family history, thyroid condition, celiac disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
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Consider adding thyroid panel, celiac screening, and vitamin D to your Tier 1 labs, especially if there’s a family pattern.
You’re not “doomed” by genetics: you’re informed. That’s power.
Neuroinflammation, Microglia, and the Striatum
If the gut is the messenger and the immune system is the amplifier, the striatum in the brain is where the movement music plays.
Microglial activation: the brain’s immune cells
Microglia patrol the brain like helpful gardeners, pruning, protecting, and repairing. Under stress or immune signaling, they can flip into an activated state. In animal models, microglial activation in striatal circuits disrupts dopamine balance and produces tic‑like behaviors. Review papers connect this mechanism with human tic disorders and related conditions that affect basal ganglia circuitry.
Why you care: if microglia are agitated, calming inputs, sleep, anti‑inflammatory nutrition, stress reduction, targeted nutrients, make sense alongside behavioral therapy or medications when needed. You’re not guessing: you’re matching tools to biology.
Imaging and biomarker limits
Regular MRIs look normal in most kids with tics. That doesn’t mean nothing’s happening; it just means conventional MRI can’t see microglial activation. PET scans and advanced research imaging can, but they’re not routine and rarely necessary.
So you track indirectly: history, indicator patterns, standard labs, and, if appropriate, cytokines or autoimmune panels. When the story lines up, you act on it and measure progress by function, less tic burden, easier school days, and better sleep.
An Evidence-based Testing Pathway
Testing shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Start simple, move to targeted, then only go advanced if the story calls for it. Here’s a practical, insurance‑aware approach you can take to your clinician.
Tier 1: Basics every parent should start with
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CBC, CMP, ESR/CRP.
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Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4 ± T3), iron studies (iron, ferritin, TIBC), vitamin D, B12, folate.
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Basic neuro exam and a detailed history: onset timing, infections (strep, flu, COVID), antibiotic exposure, sleep, stress, diet, GI signs, school function.
Expect costs to be modest and often covered. Tier 1 helps catch anemia, thyroid issues, nutrient gaps, and big inflammatory signals. It also builds your baseline so that you can see change.
Tier 2: Functional & targeted tests
For kids with persistent tics, GI signs, or post‑infectious patterns:
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Cytokine panel (IL‑6, IL‑12, TNF‑alpha) when clinically indicated.
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Comprehensive stool testing (inflammation markers, digestion, dysbiosis: some clinics use microbiome sequencing).
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SIBO breath test, if bloating or post‑meal flares are standard.
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Urine mycotoxin screen if there’s a mold/water damage history.
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Heavy metal testing only with clear exposure risk.
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Optional: urinary neurotransmitter metabolites as a trending tool (interpret cautiously).
These are often partially covered: some may be cash‑pay. Choose based on signs and history, don’t order the whole menu.
Tier 3: Genomics & advanced testing
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Targeted genomic panels (methylation, refresh, immune) or whole‑exome in select cases.
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Advanced neuroimaging is usually research‑only: PET for neuroinflammation is rarely needed.
Tier 3 is for complex or refractory cases and ideally guided by a specialist. Always ask: Will this test change what we do next? If not, save your budget for interventions that move the needle.
Evidence-Graded Interventions Families Can Consider
You want options that feel responsible, not reckless. Here’s where the evidence is more substantial, where it’s emerging, and how to weave natural strategies with clinical care. Safety first: track results: adjust.
Diet & microbiome-focused steps
Start with food because your child eats 21 times a week, it’s the daily lever.
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Anti‑inflammatory baseline: colorful plants, quality protein, olive oil, nuts/seeds, and omega‑3‑rich fish twice weekly. Cut back on ultra‑processed snacks and dyes (look at artificial colors in sports drinks and candies).
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Identify triggers: some families notice flares with dairy or gluten, others with high‑sugar weekends. Try a 3–4 week, one‑change‑at‑a‑time approach with a simple tic log.
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Probiotics/prebiotics: small studies suggest modest tic improvements with specific strains. A lactobacillus/bifido blend and food‑based prebiotics (green bananas, oats) can be a gentle start. Reassess in 4–8 weeks.
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If stool testing shows clostridia or SIBO, work with your clinician on targeted assistance.
Practical plate tip: half plate plants, quarter protein, quarter starch, fat for flavor. Nothing fancy, just repeatable.
Immune-modulating strategies
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Assist infections promptly and appropriately (strep, sinus, Lyme co‑infections where endemic). In PANS/PANDAS patterns, follow specialist protocols.
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Sleep is immune medicine: aim for consistent schedules, cool dark rooms, and earlier bedtimes on school nights.
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Targeted supplements: vitamin D to sufficiency, zinc if low, omega‑3s for neuroinflammatory tone. Curcumin or quercetin may support cytokine balance: discuss dosing and interactions.
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IVIG and steroids are reserved for specific autoimmune/inflammatory presentations, specialist territory only.
Neuroprotective / neurotransmitter support
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Methylation support: if labs or genomics suggest a need, consider methylfolate/methyl‑B12 at low doses, titrating slowly.
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Magnesium glycinate at bedtime can support relaxation and sleep.
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N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) has mixed evidence in repetitive behaviors: some clinicians trial low doses with monitoring.
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Mind–body: mindfulness for tic reduction, paced breathing, and yoga can lower arousal, great add‑ons with zero side effects.
When medications are indicated
If tics severely impair school, sleep, or self‑esteem, talk with your clinician about CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics). CBIT has strong evidence and pairs well with lifestyle changes. Meds aren’t “giving up”, they’re one tool in a bright, layered plan.
A quick word on popular add‑ons parents ask about:
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Homeopathic assistance for tics: generally safe when supervised; evidence is limited. Consider after you’ve nailed sleep, nutrition, and stress tools.
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Essential oils for tics: calming scents (lavender, bergamot) may help anxiety or bedtime routines: avoid claims to aid tics and watch for sensitivities.
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“Supplements for Tourette’s Syndrome”: quality matters, choose third‑party tested brands, and avoid megadoses. Track changes for 2–4 weeks, then decide if it’s worth continuing.
Your Next Steps & Toolkit
What is a tic disorder? It’s a movement pattern shaped by the brain, and influenced by the immune system, the gut, sleep, stress, and environment. Labels help with language. Patterns point to action.
Start with the basics, add targeted tests when the story fits, and pair diet, sleep, and stress skills with CBIT and medications if needed. If you’re drawn to natural remedies for tics, keep them grounded: food first, track changes, and choose quality.
Most importantly, don’t do this alone. Build your team, ask questions, and keep notes. Small steps stack up. Your child doesn’t need perfect: they need steady.
This article is for education, not medical advice. If you need guidance, support, and clarity through this journey, Regenerating Health is with you on this. Work with us, we’ll help you map out a plan that fits your child, one that you will actually do, and not just sit there on your to-do list.
Here’s a simple starting list you can screenshot:
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Track for 2 weeks: tic types, frequency, flares, sleep, stress, foods, illness.
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Book Tier 1 labs: CBC, CMP, ESR/CRP, thyroid, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, B12, folate.
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Begin an anti‑inflammatory diet and a consistent sleep routine.
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Discuss the CBIT referral with your pediatrician.
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If GI flags pop up, plan Tier 2 stool/SIBO testing.
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Choose one calm tool: 4‑7‑8 breathing or a 10‑minute bedtime mindfulness.
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Explore reputable communities: Tourette Association, and local therapists trained in CBIT.
Got more questions? Jump into a support group, such as Facebook groups, and find a specialist, or connect with Dr. Piper Gibson at Regenerating Health. Your family’s story can be one of hope, too.
If you are ready to dig deeper into your child’s tic disorder, click here and start with the Tic Disorder Cheat Sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tic disorder refers to neurological conditions where a child (or adult) experiences recurring, sudden, rapid movements or sounds called tics that a child can’t fully control.
Clinicians assess type (motor or vocal), how often tics occur, and how long they’ve lasted. A single brief tic spurt may be a transient (provisional) tic; persistent or chronic tics (motor or vocal) lasting more than a year may qualify as a formal tic disorder; combined motor + vocal tics over a year may be labeled as Tourette syndrome.
Tics can be simple, like rapid eye-blinking, throat-clearing, shoulder-shrugging, or more complex: coordinated movements, repetitive gestures, or vocalizations. They can change over time and vary in intensity
No single cause. Most experts believe tic disorders stem from a mix of genetic susceptibility and environmental and neurological factors. Brain circuits controlling movement may misfire, and tics can be influenced by triggers such as stress, fatigue, illness, or environmental changes.
Stress, fatigue, strong emotions, or excitement often amplify tic frequency and severity. But they don’t cause a tic disorder by themselves. Instead, they act as triggers that worsen tics in someone who already has a predisposition.
No. Tic disorders are diagnosed based on observation of symptoms, medical history, and duration of tics. Doctors may run tests only to rule out other medical causes; there is no lab test or imaging scan that confirms a tic disorder.
Many children with tic disorders, especially milder forms, see improvement or complete reduction of tics by late adolescence. That said, some continue to experience tics into adulthood. The course varies per individual.
It’s common for children with tic disorders to also have conditions such as Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This overlap can affect how tics present and impact daily life.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate are produced when beneficial bacteria digest dietary fiber. They reduce gut inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier, which protects the brain from inflammatory signals. Low SCFA levels have been linked to increased neurological sensitivity, including tics.
If tics are mild and don’t disrupt functioning, often no treatment is needed. For more persistent or troubling tics, options include behavioral therapies (e.g. habit-reversal training / Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics or CBIT), lifestyle adjustments (stress reduction, good sleep), and in some cases medication. Support at school and home are also important.
Start by documenting when and how often the tics occur (video helps). Bring this to a pediatrician or neurologist for evaluation, including history of onset, what triggers or worsens it, and any related concerns (e.g. stress, sleep, other behaviors). Early evaluation helps rule out other causes and map out an appropriate path.
References:
Jones, K. S. (2023). Tourette Syndrome and Other Tic Disorders. In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499958
Knight, T., Steeves, T., Day, L., Lowerison, M., Jette, N., & Pringsheim, T. (2012). Prevalence of tic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Movement Disorders, 27(13), 1496–1509. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887899412002159
Kyriazi, M., Tsermentseli, S., & Coutsouvelis, J. (2019). Premonitory urges and their link with tic severity in children and adolescents with tic disorders. Journal of Child Neurology, 34(4), 220–227. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6702331/
Tao, Y., Sun, H., & Zhang, J. (2022). Changes of cytokines in children with tic disorder. Frontiers in Neurology, 13, 800189. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.800189/full
Geng, J., Li, J., & Chen, L. (2022). Potential relationship between Tourette syndrome and gut microbiome. Journal of Pediatric (review). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9875241/
Hsu, C.-J., & Hsu, W.-C. (2021). Immunological dysfunction in Tourette syndrome and related disorders: review of evidence for microglial dysregulation and neuroinflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2), 853. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/853
Piacentini, J., Woods, D. W., Scahill, L., et al. (2010). Behavior therapy for children with Tourette disorder: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 303(19), 1929–1937. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20483969/
Wu, C.-C., Lu, K.-M., & Tsai, C.-C. (2021). Randomized controlled trial of probiotic PS128 in children with Tourette syndrome. Nutrients, 13(11), 3698. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34835954/