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Question 32: I would like to know what the difference is between OCD and mild Tourettes. What in the brain is happening, and how is it different. My grandson has just been diagnosed with Tourettes, and I, the Grandma, has OCD. Go figure! C.C., ON, Canada.

Hello C.C.:

I am very sorry at how long it has taken me to respond to you..........the 'new practice' is keeping me busy (actually I'm just an intern at a hospital for now........but I like the way you think!! :-)

A general answer to a general problem. Basically both OCD and TS are forms of disinhibition dysregulation -- in English, each disorder represents a different way in which a person cannot control him/herself as well as others. OCD is a difficulty in regulating thoughts -- you can't always turn off certain thoughts at times when they are bothersome/distressful/irrelevant/no longer needed. Compulsions help to alleviate the anxiety around this. TS is a difficulty in regulating body awareness and sensitivity -- you can't always turn off attention to certain body areas at times when it is bothersome/distressful/irrelevant/no longer needed. Ticking helps to alleviate the discomfort around this. Same problem ("leaky brakes"), but in a slightly different place in the brain.

Hope this helps!! Could you please let me know where you are from (state? province?) so that I can include this on my webpage? Thank you!

cheers,
Dr. Dunc

p.s. I can't imagine adults from older generations (like my own grandfather) going for most of their lives without an explanation for what is happening in their brains. I applaud your tremendous strength, C.C., and I take my hat off to you for getting involved in understanding both yourself and your granddaughter!! What a wonderful grandma to have, both in terms of a role model and in terms of feeling accepted and safe in being yourself.

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