Scared I have developed tourettes

[ObiTwo]

Long term lurker.

I have autism and ADD diagnosis. For the past few months I’ve been getting odd urges to shout certain phrases. I’ve always managed not to actually do it however. A few days ago whilst walking the dog I shouted something out without even thinking about it, there was no urge or anything, I didn’t even realise what I was doing until after I had done it. I was mortified incase anyone had heard (although it wasn’t anything offensive). It’s happened twice since. Both in the house - again no urges, it just comes out. The urges are coming back back but I can always control them. When stuff comes out there is no warning urge. Only one occasion has been mildly offensive.

Im terrified I may have Tourette’s. I can’t speak to anyone about it as nobody would believe me. I’m worried it is going to get worse and more offensive. For around 6 months I have also had urges to throw stuff over my shoulder (especially drinks).

I am on an ADHD/ADD group and have asked if this could be my ADD but it seems unlikely and tourettes has been mentioned a few times now. Any experience of this?

Any chance these could be verbal stims?

Do you have stims? Could you try stimming when the urge to shout out surges?

I believe you. You need some proper support. Can you talk to your GP to get in touch with the right professionals? Is there a local Tourette's/ASD/ADD support organisation that could offer some advice?

I’m not sure as the occasions I’ve shouted have been times when I’ve least expected it (like walking in the street daydreaming!) if it was stimming I think I’d feel anxious before hand and that would give some warning?

I dare not ask the GP yet as it’s only happened 3 times. The actually urges have been there for months (since Christmas) but the actual shouting has just been 3 occasions this week and it’s really stupid random stuff I’m shouting

You say you 'dare not ask the GP'. What's worrying you about telling them about this?

I think that's plenty to go to the GP with - and more to the point you are feeling worried about it. Waiting times are long and you need support. Sending you an unMN hug.

That they will think I’m crazy or wasting their time. I also work for the NHS and I’m worried it’s going to affect my job 😞

I have tardive dyskinesia which is a neurological involuntary movement disorder that can include "Touretteisms' which are similar to what the tics are with Tourette's but they have been drug induced (ie caused by a prescribed drug). It might be possible that any medication (if you take some) for your ADHD has thr potential to cause these types of side effects. I know that certain things like ADHD meds are known for causing my movement disorder and the symptoms likf Tourette's-type tics.

Sorry for the typo, and I hope I haven't worried you more with my theory 😢

Even if you DO have Tourette's, that's not crazy or wasting anyone's time. You deserve to be taken seriously and to get a diagnosis.

My 10 year old DC is waiting to have a ADD diagnosis confirmed. She ticks (although it comes and goes and changes from noises to movements). I was surprised to be told that they will tick more when they are relaxed. That might explain why it happens when you are just day dreaming.

Oh gosh I really feel for you. Please see your GP though. The earlier you get help the sooner you can come to terms with it.
Or there may be other things the GP can check for? Have you been under stress lately? Changed medication?

I’m not sure as the occasions I’ve shouted have been times when I’ve least expected it (like walking in the street daydreaming!) if it was stimming I think I’d feel anxious before hand and that would give some warning?

Do you only stim when anxious? Dh is more likely to stim when very happy or pleased with himself. Ds stims when he is very focused - that one is a semi-verbal stim.

Please don't feel bad about the noises you made in public. No different to someone whistling or humming. But if you are worried or distressed, do see your GP. Why should they judge you? It's their job to support you. Your discussion with them remains confidential unless your condition means you could put yourself or others in great danger. Shouting out occasionally is not risky to anyone.

I agree with the PP who mentioned ADHD meds may be the cause - do you take any? I have got ADHD, I started on Elvanse but after a while developed facial tics - partly why I decided to stop the meds in the end.

I've also started doing this, over the last year it's become apparent that there's a high chance I'm ADHD also poss autism as well, but will have to wait sometime to get assessed. But I also shout out random phrases or words, mainly when at home.
There as also been occasions it's happened in public.
I don't think it's Tourette's, but why I do it I have no idea

My 17 year old has Tourettes. I have to say, although late onset is very rare, it does happen and it definitely sounds possible with your co-morbidities. Mainly the fact that that you have had the mental urge for both physical and verbal tics but have managed to contain it for some time. After my daughter was diagnosed, she said similar. In fact she would say some of these went back to childhood but she didn't realise it meant anything (and we saw nothing) until her apparently sudden onset at 14. It wasn't sudden, she was just simmering away until stress caused it to boil over.
You do need the right support - Tourettes Action are really helpful and could help point you in the right direction. Also you should try the GP, these symptoms should warrant some kind of neurological assessment to rule out any other causes.

Can I ask what kind of thing you shout?

mine have been “miow” in the street
“minger” at home and “Victoria” also at home. The urges are much, much worse but thankfully harmless ones actually making it to my mouth. Your post has offered some reassurance though so thank you

When my DS was diagnosed with ADHD we were told it is very common to have Tourette's with it and he does. It has lessened as he has got older but still appears when he is stressed.

I could have written this myself.

Get yourself one of those bubble-popper fidget toys, keep it in your pocket and use it to distract your attention whenever you wan to shout/toss things.

@ObiTwo it can be completely random things, the most recent continuous one is 'don't touch that' no idea why as I live on my own and have no need to say this

I would also like to mention that I had a bubble popper fidget toy as mentioned by a PP, I destroyed it in less than a day as I have to completely pull anything apart like that

Do you have any other tics?

I am autistic, I have ADHD. I have nervous tics and I also verbally and physically stim.

Whilst I do get sort of urges, mine are more situational and I can tell they're my autism, or my ADHD, or stress.

Yours sounds potentially more. I would speak to the GP, and also tell them why you're anxious to bring it up with them as well.

I read an article in the Wall Street Journal about the big rise in Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders amongst teen girls. Lots of cases seem to be linked to watching videos of tics on TikTok.

Not saying that this is your case, OP, just that there is some research into the idea that watching others with tics for long periods (especially if you rewatch videos) can trigger tics.