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Question 3: I'm going into the health care profession and as a health care worker, I have concerns on how to deal with patients with Tourette Syndrome. - Do I ignore the fact that they have it, or do I acknowledge it and then move on? Basically, does the patient generally feel better if I ignore it or should I tell them that I realize what's going on and then get back to the task at hand?? C.M., AB, Canada.

I like your latter suggestions. I believe a positive healthy approach to TS is to simply matter-of-factly accept its existence and once treatment (whether it be meds or strategies) are put into place to take it out of the limelight. Think of it/refer to it/deal with it with the same attitude and in the same context and with the same approach that one would with any facet of oneself such as height. Don't bring it up if it is not necessary or important to, but have no qualms about doing so when it IS important to.

I think that by modelling this attitude for your clients you might surprise some, but you will have an opportunity to help them develop this attitude for themselves.

I hope this helped.

Dr. Dunc.

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