Me, My Tics and I: An Exploration of Self-Identity and its Implications for Psychological Wellbeing in Young Women with Tourette's Syndrome.
Young women with TS feel caught between hiding tics and being their real selves—acceptance groups beat tic-reduction drills.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Coleman et al. (2023) talked with young women who have Tourette syndrome. They asked how the women see themselves and how tics shape that view.
The team used open interviews. They looked for patterns around hiding tics, gender pressure, and mental health.
What they found
The women said they often feel torn between being "normal" and being "the tic girl." Trying to hide tics made the struggle worse.
They wanted friends and teachers to accept the tics, not stare or laugh. Peer groups where TS is normal helped them feel whole.
How this fits with other research
Stofleth et al. (2022) also used interviews. They found adults with TS get blamed for "rude" tics that look on purpose. Both studies show TS is read as choice, not neurology.
Zubizarreta et al. (2025) looked at autistic adults who mask traits. At first glance their twin data say masking does not raise stress. The two papers seem to clash, but they studied different groups: autism twins versus young women with TS. The stress may sit in gender and age, not diagnosis alone.
Borrero et al. (2005) tested a short TS video for college peers. Attitudes improved, yet real social behavior did not budge. Janine’s call for peer groups fits here: attitude change is only step one.
Why it matters
If you serve teen or young adult women with TS, add identity work to the plan. Run a girls-only chat or lunch bunch where tics are no big deal. Spend less energy on tic suppression and more on self-acceptance and peer education.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
UNLABELLED: Women with Tourette's syndrome (TS) continue to be under-researched, despite female sex being associated with increased tic-related impairment in adulthood. Existing literature indicates that individuals with TS are more likely than the general population to report self-stigma, but little is known about the subjective identities of women with TS and how this relates to psychological wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with a purposive sample of 11 females. All were diagnosed with TS and aged 18-28. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis applied. Five themes were established: "I'm not normal", "I just want to be me", I'm a "people pleaser", seeing oneself as an "outsider", and "it's just part of me…it's not going anywhere". Difficulties with self-acceptance and the autonomy to be one's true self were noted and appeared to be intensified by stereotypical gender roles and attempts to conceal tics. Findings also suggested that personal growth and feelings of mastery can be achieved through embracing TS as part of one's identity, or recognising it as just one aspect of the self. Psychological support focused on accepting and living with tics rather than reducing them may benefit this population and is currently difficult to access. Consideration should also be given to improving the availability of support groups where women with TS can meet others like themselves. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10882-023-09911-x.
Journal of developmental and physical disabilities, 2023 · doi:10.1080/15487761003756860