The renowned Scottish singer recently took to Twitter and Instagram to inform his followers that he will be taking a break from his career for the foreseeable future. This decision comes as he prioritizes his mental and physical health. As a result, he will unfortunately be absent from the upcoming Electric Picnic festival in Co Laois later this summer. Last year in September, the talented 26-year-old revealed in an Instagram live video that he has been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. Here’s some valuable information about this condition:
1. What is Tourette’s syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes individuals to experience involuntary movements and sounds referred to as tics. These tics can manifest as motor movements, such as blinking, jerking of the head and neck, and movements of the arms and legs. They can also present as vocal sounds, including throat clearing, repetition of words or phrases, stuttering, and grunting.
2. What causes this condition?
The specific causes of Tourette’s syndrome are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed to be connected to brain abnormalities, particularly an imbalance in neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine and serotonin. Certain structures in the brain seem to differ in individuals with Tourette’s syndrome. Additionally, co-occurring conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are often associated with Tourette’s syndrome.
3. How is the condition diagnosed?
There isn’t a definitive test to diagnose Tourette’s syndrome. However, if someone experiences several common tics associated with the disorder for approximately one year, their general practitioner (GP) may refer them to a specialist, such as a neurologist, to receive a formal diagnosis. It’s important to note that if tics come and go, lasting only a few weeks or months, they may not meet the criteria for a Tourette’s syndrome diagnosis.
4. Can individuals with this condition control their tics?
Tics are involuntary and challenging to control. They usually arise following a premonitory urge, similar to the need to scratch an itch or sneeze, which can cause distress. People with Tourette’s syndrome often feel compelled to perform their tics multiple times to alleviate this urge.
5. Is there a cure for Tourette’s syndrome?
Currently, there is no known cure for Tourette’s syndrome. However, many individuals with the condition do not require treatment. They can learn techniques to manage and control their tics with the guidance of specialists. Behavioral therapy is a common treatment approach to reduce tics and enhance emotional stability. In more severe cases, medication may be prescribed.
6. How does the condition impact individuals?
Most tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome do not harm a person’s overall health. However, certain tics like head shaking can lead to stress, anxiety, and headaches. Additionally, anger, stress, and exhaustion are common symptoms experienced by those with the disorder.
7. What are the common misconceptions surrounding the condition?
A prevalent misconception about Tourette’s syndrome is that individuals with the condition frequently engage in swearing. While this can be one possible vocal tic, only around 10% of people with the syndrome exhibit this particular tic.
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