People with Tourette syndrome, like Billie Eilish, use everything in their power to suppress tics – this exhausting process is key to treatment

A person with Tourette syndrome who holds back their tics may look fine, but keeping these involuntary urges contained can be draining.

By: Michael Okun, University of Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 9, 2026

Words: 1,164

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Michael Okun, University of Florida

Imagine trying not to blink, resisting the urge to sneeze or refusing to scratch an intense itch. For a short time, you can probably succeed, but the effort becomes increasingly untenable until the urge eventually wins.

People with Tourette syndrome describe tic suppression in a similar manner. Tourette syndrome causes tics, or repeated movements and sounds, that a person cannot always control. These tics often come and go, …

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