Clinical psychologist Beverley Sokel describes the advantages of attending BTTI training and clinical consultation sessions and how it has helped her behavioural therapy practice with people who have tics and Tourette Syndrome

In this In Conversation podcast, Dr. Seonaid Anderson is joined by Dr. Charlotte Hall, Dr. Tammy Hedderly, Joe Kilgariff, and Lisa Rudge for a round table discussion on Tics and Tic Disorders, such as Tourette Syndrome

Dr Seonaid Anderson interviews Emily McGann to find out more about the NIHR funded SATURN study comparing ADHD medications for those with tics. Find out more by looking at the website https://www.nctu.ac.uk/our-research/randomised-trials/current-studies/saturn.aspx or emailing saturn@nottingham.ac.ukSATURN website: https://institutemh.org.uk/research/projects-and-studies/saturnNCTU projects page: https://www.nctu.ac.uk/our-research/randomisedtrials.aspx

Thanks to ACAMH as I discuss ADHD and Tic Disorders in another In Conversation podcast this time joined by Professor Chris Hollis. Chris is leading a research team working on a research project about ADHD medication and Tics. The focus of this podcast is on this research project, called The SATURN Trial. Discussion points include: Definition of Tics and ADHD. Potential challenges of differentiating between tics from a Tic Disorder, such as Tourette Syndrome, from other movements from conditions such as chorea dystonia myoclonus. Differentiating between stimming movements and tics. The effectiveness of non-stimulant medication in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Impact of the ongoing shortage of ADHD medication on patients. Why people should be encouraged to get involved in this research and the clinical implications from this research. To listen

What is the story behind the BTTI (The Behavioural Therapy for tics Institute)? Our training is recognised as a preferred NHS supplier of training and is now listed in the ‘bible’ the National NHS Trust procurement directory. We look forward to helping you arrange single or multiple staff on this training in 2024 https://www.neuro-diverse.org/btti

I have been part of a team of people who have produced ananimation with Woven Ink, educational professionals, charity representatives,researchers and lived experience advocates including Paul Stevenson, EmmaMcNally, Marie Ralph, Dr Seonaid Anderson, Daniel Jones and Dr JenniferSalvage.

We are immensely proud of this coproduced piece of work,which we have dedicated to those with tics who have lost their lives tosuicide.

Our aim is to share this video widely to persuade thosedecision and policy makers to support us in making changes to healthcareguidelines for Tourette Syndrome.

We want as many people as possibleto share the videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok usingthe hashtag #TourettesHearUs

We are also asking for people totag in their MP and other people local to them who can bring about changewithin the NHS.

We are hoping this animation mayhelp us be heard if we all come together, so any help is much appreciated

Please share with others in the TScommunity

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The fourth podcast in the ACAMH series I was commissioned to produce on Tourettes Syndrome. The focus of this podcast is on cultural differences in tics and tic disorders.

Original article and transcript available here.

Animated video describing the clinical pathways for assessment, diagnosis and treatment for Tourette syndrome in UK.

The Times, 2022.

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BTTI have created this great webinar as an introduction to behavioural therapy for Occupational Therapists (OT). The webinar covers an introduction to what tics are, how OT’s have a role to play in helping those living with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders as well as using their training in behaviour therapy in their everyday practice with patients. There is a critical shortage of trained healthcare professionals able to deliver behaviour therapy (BT) for treating Tourette Syndrome (TS) and tic disorders. OT’s are ideally suited to deliver BT as well as adding their specialist skills to help patients with such issues as pain, speech difficulties, sensory issues etc.

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Lisa Rudge from the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and Dr Seonaid Anderson from Neuro-Diverse came together to discuss Tourette's Syndrome, as part of TS Awareness Month (15th May-15th June).

Dr Kathy Weston interviews Dr Seonaid Anderson: Tics and Tic Disorders in Young People

ION Stories’ podcast host Morwenna Stewart (she / her) talks with Dr Seonaid Anderson, a specialist in Tourette syndrome and tics (and other neurodivergent diagnoses). Seonaid talks about her work with people with tics and Tourette syndrome. Among many projects, she’s set up a global organisation - Tics and Tourette’s Across the Globe.

Interview by The Guardian newspaper for the article ‘The unknown is scary’: why young women on social media are developing Tourette’s-like tics', followed up by The Guardian podcast Science Weekly 'Is TikTok giving people Tourette’s Syndrome?'

In this podcast we speak to Dr. Tammy Hedderly, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist who has established and leads the Tics and Neurodevelopmental Movement Service or ‘TANDeM service’ at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

Webinars for ADHD Ireland December 2020 & March 2021.

Webinars for the ADHD, ASC & LD Belgium a non-profit parent support organization.

The British Psychological Society.  

Dr Seonaid Anderson and Becky Simpson-Ryan

Commissioned to create a podcast series "In Conversation ‘Tourettes Syndrome" for The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Guest Panelist, 12 August 2020

Guest Panelist, 12 August 2020

In this podcast, Dr Seonaid Anderson and Helen Eadie, of Tourettes Action, define Tourettes Syndrome and expand on its impact. Together with Jo Carlowe, psychology journalist, they explore the next steps for raising identification, awareness, and positive outcomes.

Introduction - what we already know - treatment - areas of uncertainty - What's in the pipeline?

Contributing author: “Barriers to improving access to therapy treatment for tics in the UK”

Dr Seonaid Anderson, research manager for Tourettes Action, said that the average wait for diagnosis from when people have first noticed symptoms has been between one and two years, but some have waited for up to six years.

Dr Anderson added that the issue of pain and discomfort is also an area that has been overlooked.

"It was really quite shocking to discover that this was really quite chronic pain on a daily basis and their repetitive tics were causing them lots of problems in their day-to-day living," she says.

"For other movement disorders, there is perhaps more of an input in terms of helping them manage their pain.

"It seems to be an area that's lacking, you've got Tourette's syndrome and this pain or discomfort is just something you have to live with".

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said it was committed to supporting people with neurological conditions such as Tourette's.

"The NHS long-term plan sets out our intention to improve choice and personalised care for people with long term conditions, as well as to support local areas to tackle unwarranted variation in services".