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My six-year-old child is diagnosed with Tic disorder. I am very worried about him. Is it a psychological condition? What are the symptoms and treatment? Please explain.
Tourette’s disorder or Tics is a neurological (brain) condition that usually begins in childhood.

They are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks. Tics come in two forms. They may be physical in nature, or vocal. Motor and vocal tics may be simple (i.e. involving only a few muscles or sounds at a time) or complex (i.e., involving multiple muscles, or full sentences and phrases) Tourette’s disorder (TD) is also known as Tourette’s syndrome and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.

Symptoms
Movements are recurrent and non-rhythmic There is an overwhelming inner urge to make the movement. Movements are most often brief and jerky and include the following: blinking, raising eyebrows, nostrils flaring, grimacing, opening the mouth, sticking out the tongue, shrugging shoulders, jerking arms, clenching the fists, kicking, curling of the toes, vocalisations, such as grunts, sniffing, throat clearing, squealing, snorting, clicking, hissing, or moaning may also occur.

The most common associated symptoms of Tourette’s Disorder are obsessions and compulsions. Hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity are also relatively common. Social discomfort, shame, self-consciousness, and depressed mood frequently occur. Social, academic, and occupational functioning may be impaired because of rejection by others or anxiety about having tics in social situations.

In severe cases of Tourette’s Disorder, the tics may directly interfere with daily activities (e.g., reading or writing).

Treatment of tics disorder
It is particularly important that parents do not pressure them to stop the repetitive movements or sounds, as this can create stress for the child and make the tic worse. Pharmacological treatments are often used to manage tic symptoms, and can include the use of typical and atypical neuroleptics. Psychologists also teach children relaxation training, or techniques such as deep breathing, visual imagery (imagining calming places), and progressive muscle relaxation.

These tools can help children maintain a calm during stressful events, which can combat tic behaviour. Exercise, yoga, or meditation may be useful for relieving the stress that may aggravate tics. Frequently, the tics subside with explanation, reassurance, and understanding of the condition in a supportive environment.