Tic disorders are conditions that cause people to make sudden, repetitive movements or sounds (tics), seemingly without being aware of it. More to Know Tics are repetitive movements (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics) that people can't stop themselves from doing. Most tics are brief and go away on their own. Someone who has a tic or tics that go on for at least 4 weeks is said to have a tic disorder. There are several types of tic disorders: Transient tic disorders involve motor or vocal tics that last for more than 4 weeks but less than a year. Chronic tic disorders involve either motor tics or vocal tics (but not both) that last for more than a year. Tourette syndrome, the most severe kind of tic disorder, involves both motor and vocal tics that go on for at least a year. Tic disorders usually first appear during childhood, and they can be associated with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Tics can become more severe when someone is under stress or fatigued, but they tend to get milder or go away entirely as kids get older. Tic disorders generally don't require any treatment, but doctors may recommend medications to control symptoms if the disorder starts to interfere with someone's schoolwork or daily life. Keep in Mind Tic disorders are usually harmless and don't cause any complications beyond the tics themselves. They also typically start to improve after about age 11. Some studies indicate that most people with tic disorders are free of tics or considerably improved by the time they reach adulthood. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder All kids have worries and doubts. But some have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which their worries compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again. OCD can get better with the right attention and care. Read More Tics A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that some people make, which can be difficult to control. Read More Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics. Read More Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome affects the body's brain and nervous system by causing tics - repeated, uncontrollable movements or involuntary vocal sounds. Read More Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes tics -- movements or sounds that are repeated over and over. Learn more about Tourette syndrome in this article for kids. Read More What Is "PANS"? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Going to a Therapist Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems. Read More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Everyone feels anxiety, fear, or worry at some time - it's normal to worry about school, your friends, your appearance, and tons of other stuff. But for teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these feelings are taken to extremes. Read More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Someone might say you're obsessed with soccer or something else that you really like, but when someone has a true obsession, it isn't any fun. Find out more about obsessive-compulsive disorder in this article for kids. Read More Trichotillomania Trichotillomania is a condition that gives people strong urges to pull out their hair. What causes it and how do people overcome it? Find out in this article. Read More Your Child's Habits Nail biting, hair twirling, thumb sucking, and nose picking - these childhood habits are common. Here's how to deal with them. Read More ADHD ADHD is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention. This article for teens has the basics on ADHD. Read More ADHD ADHD is a medical condition that makes it harder for kids to stay focused. Kids with ADHD can also be more fidgety than other kids their age. This article for kids explains how doctors decide a kid has ADHD and what they can do about it. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.