{
  "id": 6421856,
  "title": "People with Tourette syndrome, like Billie Eilish, use everything in their power to suppress tics – this exhausting process is key to treatment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/people-with-tourette-syndrome-like-billie-eilish-use-everything-in",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T12:48:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/people-with-tourette-syndrome-like-billie-eilish-use-everything-in-their-power-to-suppress-tics-this-exhausting-process-is-key-to-treatment-287277"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "People with Tourette syndrome, like musician Billie Eilish, invest great effort in suppressing tics, a crucial aspect of treatment. Imagine resisting the urge to blink, sneeze, or scratch an intense itch – a temporary feat, followed by an increasingly unsustainable strain. Tourette syndrome causes involuntary tics, repetitive movements or sounds, that a person cannot control. These tics fluctuate, change over time, and may co-occur with attention problems, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Some people can temporarily control tics in public, but that does not mean tics are voluntary or that the individual is faking their diagnosis; suppression can be a hallmark of the disorder and forms the basis of modern treatment. As a neurologist treating Tourette syndrome patients for over two decades, I have witnessed the exhausting nature of tic suppression firsthand. Many patients tell me they can temporarily hold back tics through intense concentration but must later release them. This process is mentally and physically draining. Understanding the neuroscience behind tic suppression and its impact can foster compassion and awareness among those without the disorder. In 2019, Eilish revealed her Tourette syndrome diagnosis, leading to mixed reactions online. Some expressed support, while others questioned the authenticity of her condition, pointing to interviews where she appeared tic-free. However, in a 2026 interview, Eilish explained that suppressing tics requires using \"everything in (her) power.\" People with Tourette syndrome often struggle with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which can have a more significant impact on quality of life than visible tics. These invisible symptoms can cause social challenges and hinder academic performance. The exact cause of Tourette syndrome remains unknown, though genetics and environmental factors may play a role. While less than 1% of children worldwide have the disorder, each person's experience varies, ranging from simple motor tics to complex movements and vocalizations. Tics exist on a spectrum and are influenced by stress, sleep deprivation, and illness. Many people can suppress tics for extended periods, but this often leads to a release of multiple tics once they feel safe. Although suppressing tics is exhausting, research shows it can be strengthened and used therapeutically. Behavioral interventions, such as comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics, teach individuals to recognize tic precursors, develop alternative responses, and reduce tic frequency and severity. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this treatment significantly reduces tic severity for many individuals. Other treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, and in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery.",
  "summary": "A person with Tourette syndrome who holds back their tics may look fine, but keeping these involuntary urges contained can be draining.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}