Patients and families should be told that these drugs may take several weeks to take effect. More than 70 percent of patients treated for tics have found the severity of symptoms reduced to a tolerable level, but total eradication of a tic disorder is rarely possible. However, the condition in many patients improves as they mature. Although TS is generally chronic and lifelong, it is not a degenerative condition. TS does not impair intelligence or athletic ability.
Tics tend to decrease with age, allowing some patients to lessen or discontinue their medication.
Complete remission sometimes occurs after adolescence. Although tics may lessen with age, other neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, panic attacks, mood swings, and antisocial behaviors may increase. The patient with tics or TS may be treated in an outpatient setting. Hospitalized patients on medication require education and close observation. Comprehensive management requires a combination of strategies including medication, education, behavior modification, relaxation training, reassurance, psychotherapy to increase self-esteem, and genetic counseling.