Non-Pharmacological Therapies

• Habit Reversal Therapy, a form of behavior therapy for tics, has proven to decrease the frequency of tics.
  
  
• Supportive therapy (guided imagery, role playing, deep breathing, yoga or tai chi for deep relaxation) including techniques for decreasing anxiety and stress can be extremely helpful in decreasing the severity and frequency of symptoms.
  
  
• Additional counseling can help the patient to understand his/her condition, as well as to improve self-esteem and social adaptation.
  
  
• There is no evidence that diets may improve the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome. People with Tourette's syndrome should be aware that some herbal products for weight loss may contain ingredients that could exacerbate the tics.
  
  
• Furthermore, there is no evidence that dietary supplements can decrease the intensity of the symptoms.
  
  
• Treatment with antibiotics, even in patients who have indications of past infection, is not indicated.
  
  
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has not been effective in relieving the symptoms associated with Tourette's syndrome.