OCD/TICS/Tourette's Disorder

OCD, Tic Disorders & Tourette Syndrome Treatment in Boca Raton & Weston, FL

If you or your child is experiencing intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, involuntary movements, or vocal tics, Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tic Disorders, and Tourette Syndrome in Boca Raton and Weston, FL. As a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Dr. Kothari diagnoses and treats children, adolescents, and adults with personalized, evidence-based care designed to improve daily functioning and quality of life. Serving patients throughout Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida, she develops individualized treatment plans that may include medication management, referrals for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and collaboration with families, schools, therapists, and healthcare providers to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.

Tics

Tics are sudden, brief movements or sounds made by a person that are involuntary in nature. They can be classified as simple tics such as eye blinking or grunting or complex tics such as stepping in a certain pattern or uttering profanity.  Tics can occur in any part of the body such as face, shoulders, hands, feet, or legs but common motor and phonic tics are eye blinking and throat clearing. Up to 10-25 percent of children may be affected during early school years. Many times, tics are transitory, mild and do not affect the person’s quality of life.  But for some, tics can be disruptive to their school, work and social life.  For a much smaller percentage, these tics persist longer than one year and are considered “chronic tics.” Some “chronic tics” can be associated with the most severe form of tic disorder called Tourette’s Disorder. Unfortunately lack of sleep and stress can cause tics to worsen. There are various modalities of treatment for tics including CBIT – a comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics, cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder wherein people have intrusive thoughts, feelings, ideas, or obsessions that make them feel driven to repetitive behaviors to reduce the associated anxiety. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts or impulses that are frequently irrational or unrealistic and cause marked anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors, rituals, or mental acts.

Symptoms of OCD in children can include:

• repeated checking
• excessive washing or cleaning
• extreme arranging and/or hoarding 
• aversions 
• repetitive rituals (such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room)
• making things "just right"
• tapping or touching
• asking repetitive questions
• writing, rewriting, or erasing

Each OCD sufferer may have different obsessions and/or compulsions, but all suffer with marked anxiety and distress related to their OCD that interferes with their activities of daily living including school, work, and personal relationships.

It is estimated that 1 in 200 children may have OCD. The first symptoms of OCD often begin during childhood or adolescence. Many children and adolescents feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms and may be hesitant to talk about their intrusive thoughts or behaviors. An evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist can be crucial to understanding the complex thoughts and behaviors present in OCD and to seek treatment. Studies have shown interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication treatment if needed are highly recommended to aid treatment. EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY as OCD can have an insidious process leading to adult dysfunction. 

Why Choose Dr. Kothari for OCD, Tic Disorders & Tourette Syndrome in South Florida?

Families across Boca Raton, Weston, and South Florida trust Dr. Priti Kothari for the evaluation and treatment of OCD, tic disorders, and Tourette syndrome because of her board certification in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry and her patient-centered, evidence-based approach. Dr. Kothari performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose these conditions and identify co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder. She develops personalized treatment plans that may include medication management, coordination with therapists providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and ongoing collaboration with parents, schools, pediatricians, and other specialists to help patients reduce symptoms, improve emotional well-being, and achieve greater success at home, school, work, and in social settings.

OCD, Tic Disorders & Tourette Syndrome FAQs

What is the difference between OCD and Tourette syndrome?

OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder involving multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that persists for more than one year.

What are tics?

Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds, such as eye blinking, throat clearing, shoulder shrugging, or facial movements. They may be temporary or chronic and can vary in frequency and severity.

When should my child be evaluated for tics or OCD?

An evaluation is recommended if repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, or motor or vocal tics interfere with school performance, social relationships, daily activities, or emotional well-being, or if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

How are OCD and tic disorders treated?

Treatment may include medication management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), education, and ongoing psychiatric follow-up. Treatment is individualized based on each patient's symptoms and needs.

Can OCD or Tourette syndrome occur with other conditions?

Yes. OCD and tic disorders commonly occur alongside ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. Identifying co-occurring conditions helps ensure comprehensive treatment.

Can children outgrow tic disorders?

Many childhood tics improve or resolve over time, while others may persist into adolescence or adulthood. Early evaluation helps determine the type of tic disorder and whether treatment is appropriate.

Schedule an OCD, Tic Disorder & Tourette Syndrome Evaluation in Boca Raton or Weston, FL

If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), motor or vocal tics, or Tourette syndrome, early evaluation and treatment can improve long-term outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and personalized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults in Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout South Florida. Contact our Boca Raton or Weston office today to schedule an appointment and receive compassionate, individualized care tailored to your family's needs.