title: Tourette syndrome: information for school nurses.
abstract: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurobehavioral disorder that consists of simple and complex tics. This disorder can significantly affect a child's self-esteem and academic success. Although some believe that only adults are affected, this disorder occurs most frequently in early childhood and symptoms decrease with age. Diagnosis of this disorder can be difficult due to the high incidence of comorbidity of other psychiatric illnesses, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disease, and depression. Early recognition of the disorder allows positive interventions geared toward controlling tics and provides an outlet for tic release. Children and families who are affected by the disorder may attempt to hide the behaviors due to embarrassment of tics. The school nurse is instrumental in working with parents, staff, and other children to assure understanding of the disorder, provide coordination of care, and provide a safe outlet for the child to release the stress of tics during the school day.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Simulated Learning Lab at Bloomsburg University, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Golder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012573:School Nursing; D012944:Social Support; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents