Billie Eilish and the exhausting work of tic suppression
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People with Tourette syndrome, like singer Billie Eilish, often expend considerable effort to suppress their tics, involuntary movements and sounds, and this act of suppression is now a key part of treatment.
Neurologists have observed for over 20 years that patients can temporarily control tics, but doing so requires intense concentration and ultimately leads to a need to release them.
While some question the validity of diagnoses when tics are not always visible, experts explain that suppression is a common feature of the disorder. Tourette syndrome affects less than 1% of children globally and presents differently in each person. Symptoms range from simple movements like blinking to complex sequences, and can overlap with conditions like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, often impacting quality of life more than the tics themselves.
Researchers are still working to understand the causes of Tourette syndrome, but believe genetics and environment both contribute. Modern treatment for Tourette syndrome includes Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics, which teaches people to manage the sensations that precede tics and respond with alternative behaviors. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this therapy can significantly lessen tic severity.
By openly discussing her condition, Billie Eilish has helped raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding Tourette syndrome, while also highlighting the effort involved in managing its symptoms.
