Diagnostic Parameter, Chronic moter or Vocal Tics

Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder

This disorder is characterized either by rapid, recurrent, uncontrollable movements or by vocal outbursts, but not both, that have been present nearly daily for more than a year without a period free of the problem longer than three months. These repeated uncontrollable bursts of activity or speech are called tics.

This Tic Disorder is diagnosed when either motor (Rapid, recurrent movement of the arms, legs, or other areas) or vocal (Vocalizations) grunts, abdominal ar diaphragmatic contractions. But not both - see Tourette's tics (sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic, stereotyped motor movement or vocalization) are experienced persistently.

Single or multiple motor or vocal tics (i.e., sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic, stereotyped motor movements or vocalizations), but not both, have been present at some time during the illness.

The tics occur many times a day nearly every day or intermittently throughout a period of more than 1 year, and during this period there was never a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months.

The disturbance causes marked distress or significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The onset is before age 18 years.

The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., stimulants) or a general medical condition (e.g., Huntington's disease or postviral encephalitis).

Criteria have never been met for Tourette's Disorder.