Psychoeducational Interventions

Abstract

Abstract This chapter both reviews research about the role of psychoeducation in coping with and treating Tourette syndrome and serves as a psychoeducational resource, summarizing key information about the disorder. Providing patients and families with accurate, nuanced, and up-to-date knowledge about Tourette syndrome is important to promoting better coping, helping them become informed consumers of resources and supports, and combating negative stigma that can be attached to the disorder. This chapter examines many of the features of Tourette syndrome that contribute to its complexity and discusses psychoeducational interventions for patients and families. Parents of children with tics and other commonly comorbid psychiatric problems face practical and emotional challenges, and addressing these challenges is another important objective of psychoeducation. Children with tics also face educational and social difficulties in school and are often targets of peer victimization. Psychoeducation for school staff as well as peers may alleviate these difficulties. Advocacy organizations can offer helpful and informative resources to individuals and families living with tics and can provide a forum for social support. Finally, adults with tics often face discrimination and social victimization in the workplace and tend to be underemployed. Psychoeducation for employers and colleagues about tics as well as about the legal obligations toward individuals with disabilities may mitigate such discrimination.