Tics

Tics Related to Stress

Long term stress can lead to tics. What is a tic? A tic, according to Matthew Toohey, is "a sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movement involving a distinct muscle group—like an uncontrolled eye blinking." There are two types of tics: motor tics and vocal tics.


Motor Tic

A motor tic is a tic that involves muscles. Examples would be facial tics like nose wrinkling, head twitching, excessive blinking, and grimacing. These are all simple motor tics. As for complex motor tics, it could be kicking, smelling objects, jumping, and random movements. 

Vocal Tic

A vocal tic is a tic that has to do with sound. Examples of simple vocal tics can be coughing, grunting, barking, and sniffing. Complex vocal tics are yelling, making animal noises, and repeating words and phrases.

Tics and Stress

Many of these tics are results of other disorders, but too much stress can result in temporary tics or tics that reoccur. Tics are all involuntary, and many people who get them are often embarrassed by them. This will only make it worse, which is why it is important to not bring unnecessary and unwanted attention to someone's tics.