Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Trauma and tic disorders: a trauma-informed perspective. |
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| Contribution code | D1.132 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: this study explores the connection between trauma and tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome, proposing that tics can be understood as positive dissociative symptoms. The aim is to examine how trauma influences the genesis, persistence, and severity of tic disorders and to investigate trauma-informed therapeutic approaches that address the neurobiological and psychological components of these disorders. Methods: drawing on clinical cases and scientific literature, this study integrates perspectives from neurobiology, trauma theory, and psychotherapeutic techniques. Special emphasis is placed on exploring trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, parts work, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which aim to address dissociative mechanisms and neurobiological dysfunctions associated with tic disorders. The analysis incorporates insights from the works of D. Siegel, A. Schore, and epigenetic studies, which highlight how early relational traumas and chronic stress can disrupt neural development and emotional regulation, increasing vulnerability to tic disorders. Results: findings suggest that tics function as adaptive responses to relational traumas rather than being purely neurological symptoms. While overwhelming trauma may act as a trigger for symptom onset, subtler, relational traumas—often stemming from early attachment disruptions—appear to play a central role in shaping the course of tic disorders. These traumas disrupt the balance of emotional regulation, leading to heightened stress responses and increased vulnerability to tic behaviors. Key therapeutic findings include: 1. Neuroplasticity: trauma-focused approaches support brain adaptability by potentially modulating dopaminergic pathways and hyperactive neural circuits, reducing symptom severity over time. 2. Integration: therapeutic work with dissociated parts of the self fosters emotional and psychological coherence, reducing tic intensity and frequency while enhancing overall emotional well-being. 3. Trauma resolution: processing unresolved trauma reduces emotional dysregulation and minimizes trauma-related behavioral manifestations, including tics. 4. Somatic awareness: techniques that incorporate body-based interventions address trauma stored within the body, facilitating greater self-regulation and emotional resilience. Conclusions: this study challenges the traditional view of tic disorders as purely neurological, suggesting they may be better understood as symptoms of complex |