Tics and compulsions, plus obsessions and hyperactivity....

[micky]

My 4 year old son his been increasingly hyperactive in the last year.  Now his is having many nervous habits.  He will grunt, snort, odd mouth and head movements, echoing the last part of every sentence he says, all kinds of odd repetitive movements.  He is also obsessed with Superman to the point that he gets stuck on the subject and can not carry on a comprehensible conversation.  He is also very impulsive.  He NEVER thinks before he does something, but, is very sorry afterward.  He apologizes and says that he didn't mean to do it...  He also can not sit still long enough to eat dinner....

Now back to the nervous habits, tics, whatever they are.  He seems to be able to stop them, but not for long.  He becomes very agitated if he can not preform the movement or noise and says, "I have to do it.  I feel sick if I don't."  

I am very worried about him.  He is a lovable, little fellow.  His daycare teacher thinks he is the best in the class, however, she is also worried about him.  

Any suggestions...  What should be my next step...

Micky

[HFHS MD - RG]

Dear Micky,

A tic is defined as an involuntary, sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrythmic, stereotyped motor movement or vocalization. It is experienced as irresistible, but can often be suppressed for varying lengths of time. Uncomfortable sensations or urges mat precede motor or vocal tics.  All forms of tic may be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, fatigue, boredom, or an exciting event like attending a party, going to the zoo, or observing a holiday ceremony.

Most tic disorders are transient. However, a substantial minority of them are chronic, if not lifelong, conditions. Educational and supportive interventions are helpful to most patients with tics who seek clinical attention. Medications has been a primary intervention for severe tic disorders. Patients with transient tics or with chronic motor tics alone generally do not require medication. Various forms of psychotherapy can provide a useful adjunctive treatment in selected cases.

Tourette’s Disorder, on other hand, is defined as having both the motor and one or more vocal tics ( a sudden, rapid, nonrhythmic vocalization) which has been present at some time during the illness.

One may also consider Obsessive-Compulsove disorder which is defined as recurrent and persistent thoughts experienced as intrusive and causes marked disturbance accomapnied by repetitive behaviors or mental acts that person is driven to in response to an obsession.

I would suggest a consult to a child psychiatrist for a full evaluation.

The information provided in this forum is presented for general educational purposes only. Specific questions you have pertaining to your health should always be directed to your personal physician or you may call Henry Ford Behavioral Health at [phone].

I wish you the best,

HFHS MD - RG

*Keyword: Tic disorders

[PamD]

Check the Child Behavioral Health forum for the answer to Beverly's post dated 08/20/99, "What is wrong with my child," (or something like that).  

Some of these actions sound like tics and may be indicative of a tic disorder such as Tourette's.  In my personal opinion (note I have no medical training), you should follow up with your pediatrician immediately.

Good luck.

[micky]

That is WILD. :0)  

It sounds almost that same as my question.  I wonder if there is a way to get in contact with my parrell universe twin.  

I will take my little one to the doctor ASAP.

[PamD]

Now check Beverly's post in the Neurology forum, "My 4 year old....."  for some more specific Tourette's information, and a perspective from another mom.

Good luck getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.