Tourette's Syndrome
There is no known cure for Tourette's syndrome, but several treatment options exist. Medications which block the action of the chemical messenger dopamine have been found in studies to be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tics. Preliminary evidence suggests that some behavioural therapies, especially habit reversal, can be helpful for Tourette's disorder; it is not known whether combining these techniques with medication yields an additive benefit. Habit reversal teaches patients to become aware of the premonitory urges preceding tics and to learn and practice muscular actions incompatible with their tics.