Does+medication+help+calm+Tourette's+better+than+alternative+therapies?

Jade Gaspar and Jaden Berry's ISP Tittle: Alternative therapies vs. Medication for tourette syndrome.

Proposal: My mother was wondering if having my brother on medication for his tourettes was better than using alternative therapies.

Background: "Tourette syndrome is an inherited disorder of the nervous system which causes unwanted movements and noises (tics)." (medical dictionary) Tourettes is __not__ when the person randomly cusses that is ,called Coprolalia which is another form of Tourette's. There is no true cure for Tourette's, the medication just helps to calm their tics down but the medication has side affects. Alternative therapies are when a person uses other ways to calm them selves down. Since the tics usually increase with stress people find something that calms them (ex. video games, music, reading, ect.) and use that as their alternative therapy. So each person is different in the way that they deal with their tourettes. "Although its exact incidence is uncertain, it is estimated to affect 1 to 10 in 1,000 children." (Genetics Home reference, 2012) Although the symptoms of Tourette syndrome are involuntary, some people can sometimes suppress, camouflage, or otherwise manage their tics in an effort to minimize their impact on functioning. However, people with Tourette syndrome often report a substantial buildup in tension when suppressing their tics to the point where they feel that the tic must be expressed. Tics in response to an environmental trigger can appear to be voluntary or purposeful but are not." (MedicineNet)

Method/Procedure: We plan to survey different people who have tourettes. Then we will collect that data and put it in to a percent form to see if medication actually works for tourettes. (P.S. we do know a lot of people with this disorder)

Materials:
 * 270 people with tourettes
 * survey
 * the internet

Survey: 1//*// **Do you use, or have you ever used, medication prescribed by a doctor to control or help manage your Tourette's symptoms? (If you answer NO please skip to question 5)**
 * Yes || No ||

2 **If you answered YES to the above question please check all medications that apply in which you have taken in past or present.** 3 **Have you experienced any of the below side effects from your prescribed medication(s)? (Please check all that apply** **OR check last one for never had side effects****)** 4 **Do you feel like the medication(s) have helped control or relieved symptoms of your Tourettes?**
 * haloperidol or Haldol
 * pimozide or Orap
 * fluphenazine or Prolixin
 * clonidine or Catapres
 * guanfacine or Tenex
 * clonidine or Catapres
 * clonazepam or Klonopin
 * methylphenidate or Ritalin
 * dextroamphetamine or Adderall
 * dextroamphentamine or Dexedrine
 * atomoxetine or Strattera
 * fluoxetine or Prozac
 * paroxetine or Paxil
 * clomipramine or Anafranil
 * sertraline or Zoloft
 * fluvoxamine or Luvox
 * citalopram or Celexa
 * Other
 * Fatigue
 * Weight gain
 * Appetite loss
 * Muscle rigidity
 * Motor tardive dyskinesia
 * School or work phobias
 * Photosensitivity
 * Depression
 * Cognitive dulling
 * Dry mouth
 * Irritability
 * Dizziness
 * Headaches
 * Insomnia
 * Restlessness
 * Hypotension
 * Stomach aches or nausea
 * Increased Tics
 * Gastrointestinal upset
 * Blurred vision
 * Other
 * Never had side effects from Medications
 * Yes
 * No

5//*// **Do you use, or have you ever used, alternative therapies to control or help manage your Tourette's symptoms?**
 * Yes
 * No

6 ** If you answered yes to using Alternative Therapies please check any and all that apply below. ** 7 **Have you experienced any of the below side effects from your alternative therapies? (Please check all that apply OR check last one for never had side effects)** 8 **Do you feel the Alternative therapies used helped you?**
 * Changing to a more natural diet
 * Avoiding Caffeine
 * Avoiding sugar
 * Allergy testing and allergen control
 * Neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback
 * Vitamins
 * Herbal supplements
 * Regular exercise
 * Deep Brain Stimulation
 * Massage therapies and/or body wraps
 * Listening to music
 * Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention
 * Changing or modifying your sleep/work/school schedule
 * Talking with a Psychologist or Therapist
 * Support groups
 * Relaxation/therapy tapes
 * Acupuncture
 * Meditation
 * Other
 * Fatigue
 * Weight gain
 * Appetite loss
 * Muscle rigidity
 * Motor tardive dyskinesia
 * School or work phobias
 * Photosensitivity
 * Depression
 * Cognitive dulling
 * Dry mouth
 * Irritability
 * Dizziness
 * Headaches
 * Insomnia
 * Restlessness
 * Hypotension
 * Stomach aches or nausea
 * Increased Tics
 * Gastrointestinal upset
 * Blurred vision
 * Other
 * Never had side effects from Alternative Therapies
 * yes
 * no

9 **How bad would you say your Tourettes symptoms were, on a scale of 1 to 10, BEFORE you used any medication or alternative therapy? 1 star being only minor tics 10 stars being Coprolalia.** 10 **How bad would you say your Tourettes symptoms are, on a scale of 1 to 10, AFTER you used any medication or alternative therapy? 1 star being only minor tics 10 stars being Coprolalia.** 11 **Do you prefer Medications from a doctor or Alternative therapies to treat symptoms?**
 * || [[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]] ||
 * || [[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]][[image:http://kwiksurveys.com/app/images/cloudy/star-1.png]] ||
 * Medications from a doctor
 * Alternative therapies

12//*// **At what age were you diagnosed with Tourette's or at what age did symptoms start appearing?** 13//*// **What is your current age?**
 * Between 0-3
 * Between 4-7
 * Between 8-11
 * Between 12-15
 * Between 16 - 20
 * Between 21 - 25
 * Between 26 - 30
 * Between 31 - 35
 * Between 36 - 40
 * Between 41 - 45
 * Between 46-50
 * Between 51 - 60
 * Between 61 -70
 * 71 or above
 * Between 0-3
 * Between 4-7
 * Between 8-11
 * Between 12-15
 * Between 16 - 20
 * Between 21 - 25
 * Between 26 - 30
 * Between 31 - 35
 * Between 36 - 40
 * Between 41 - 45
 * Between 46-50
 * Between 51 - 60
 * Between 61 -70
 * 71 or above

14 **Do you have any of the below disorders that are commonly associated with Tourette's Syndrome? (Please check all that apply)** 15 **What is your Gender?**
 * Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
 * Sensory disorders
 * Autism
 * Aspergers
 * Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
 * Depression
 * Anxiety Disorder
 * Self-injurious behaviours (SIBs)
 * Aggression
 * Learning disabilities
 * Oppositional defiant disorder
 * Personality Disorders
 * Dysgraphia
 * Other
 * Male
 * Female

Hypothesis: If a person uses alternative theropies then they will have more success at calming their tourettes.

Summary: That people who use alternative therapies are more successful at calming their tourettes then people with medication.

Data/Results: 270 people have taken this survey from all around the world. (24 people answered in Australia, 1 was answered in Japan, 1 was answered in Norway, 29 were answered in the United Kingdom, 21 were answered in Canada, and 192 were answered in the United States) 1) Do you use, or have you ever used, medication prescribed by a doctor to control or help manage your Tourette's symptoms? (If you answer NO please skip to question 5)
 * Yes 220 (81.5%)
 * No 50 (18.5%)

2) If you answered YES to the above question please check all medications that apply in which you have taken in past or present.  >> 
 * haloperidol or Haldol 38 (5.1%)
 * pimozide or Orap 31 (4.2%)
 * fluphenazine or Prolixin 7 (0.9%)
 * clonidine or Catapres 91 (12.2%)
 * guanfacine or Tenex 78 (10.5%)
 * clonidine or Catapres 65 (8.7%)
 * clonazepam or Klonopin 52 (7.0%)
 * methylphenidate or Ritalin 35 (4.7%)
 * dextroamphetamine or Adderall 21 (2.8%)
 * dextroamphentamine or Dexedrine 4 (0.5%)
 * atomoxetine or Strattera 41 (5.5%)
 * fluoxetine or Prozac 50 (6.7%)
 * paroxetine or Paxil 15 (2.0%)
 * clomipramine or Anafranil 9 (1.2%)
 * sertraline or Zoloft 5 7 (7.7%)
 * fluvoxamine or Luvox 13 (1.7%)
 * citalopram or Celexa 25 (3.4%)
 * Other 111 (14.9%)

3) Have you experienced any of the below side effects from your prescribed medication(s)? (Please check all that apply OR check last one for never had side effects)


 * Fatigue 157 (13.3%)
 * Weight gain 94 (8.0%)
 * Appetite loss 58 (4.9%)
 * Muscle rigidity 24 (2.0%)
 * Motor tardive dyskinesia 16 (1.4%)
 * School or work phobias 31 (2.6%)
 * Photosensitivity 18 (1.5%)
 * Depression 78 (6.6%)
 * Cognitive dulling 40 (3.4%)
 * Dry mouth 64 (5.4%)
 * Irritability 83 (7.0%)
 * Dizziness 62 (5.3%)
 * Headaches 66 (5.6%)
 * Insomnia 57 (4.8%)
 * Restlessness 63 (5.3%)
 * Hypotension 17 (1.4%)
 * Stomach aches or nausea 56 (4.7%)
 * Increased Tics 79 (6.7%)
 * Gastrointestinal upset 30 (2.5%)
 * Blurred vision 28 (2.4%)
 * Other 49 (4.2%)
 * Never had side effects from Medications 9 (0.8%)

4) Do you feel like the medication(s) have helped control or relieved symptoms of your Tourettes?


 * Yes 138 (62.7%)
 * No 82 (37.3%)

5) Do you use, or have you ever used, alternative therapies to control or help manage your Tourette's symptoms?


 * Yes 191 (70.7%)
 * No 79 (29.3%)

6) If you answered yes to using Alternative Therapies please check any and all that apply below.
 * Changing to a more natural diet 66 (6.7%)
 * Avoiding Caffeine 77 (7.8%)
 * Avoiding sugar 48 (4.9%)
 * Allergy testing and allergen control 21 (2.1%)
 * Neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback 23 (2.3%)
 * Vitamins 77 (7.8%)
 * Herbal supplements 55 (5.6%)
 * Regular exercise 63 (6.4%)
 * Deep Brain Stimulation 3 (0.3%)
 * Massage therapies and/or body wraps 45 (4.6%)
 * Listening to music 98 (9.9%)
 * Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention 48 (4.9%)
 * Changing or modifying your sleep/work/school schedule 53 (5.4%)
 * Talking with a Psychologist or Therapist 118 (11.9%)
 * Support groups 50 (5.1%)
 * Relaxation/therapy tapes 51 (5.2%)
 * Acupuncture 15 (1.5%)
 * Meditation 31 (3.1%)
 * Other 46 (4.7%)

7) Have you experienced any of the below side effects from your alternative therapies? (Please check all that apply OR check last one for never had side effects)


 * Fatigue 8 (3.5%)
 * Weight gain 4 (1.8%)
 * Appetite loss 2 (0.9%)
 * Muscle rigidity 0 (0.0%)
 * Motor tardive dyskinesia 0 (0.0%)
 * School or work phobias 1 (0.4%)
 * Photosensitivity 0 (0.0%)
 * Depression 5 (2.2%)
 * Cognitive dulling 1 (0.4%)
 * Dry mouth 2 (0.9%)
 * Irritability 11 (4.8%)
 * Dizziness 2 (0.9%)
 * Headaches 4 (1.8%)
 * Insomnia 5 (2.2%)
 * Restlessness 8 (3.5%)
 * Hypotension 2 (0.9%)
 * Stomach aches or nausea 3 (1.3%)
 * Increased Tics 9 (4.0%)
 * Gastrointestinal upset 2 (0.9%)
 * Blurred vision 2 (0.9%)
 * Other 3 (1.3%)
 * Never had side effects from Alternative Therapies 153 (67.4%)

8) Do you feel the Alternative therapies used helped you?


 * yes 132 (68.0%)
 * no 62 (32.0%)

9) How bad would you say your Tourettes symptoms were, on a scale of 1 to 10, BEFORE you used any medication or alternative therapy? 1 star being only minor tics 10 stars being Coprolalia.


 * ~  ||~ 1 ||~ 2 ||~ 3 ||~ 4 ||~ 5 ||~ 6 ||~ 7 ||~ 8 ||~ 9 ||~ 10 ||~ Responses ||~ Weighted Average ||~   ||
 * =  ||= 1 (0.40%) ||= 5 (1.98%) ||= 8 (3.16%) ||= 27 (10.67%) ||= 30 (11.86%) ||= 37 (14.62%) ||= **51 (20.16%)** ||= 47 (18.58%) ||= 10 (3.95%) ||= 37 (14.62%) ||= 253 ||= 6.75 / 10 (67.50%) ||=   ||
 * =  ||||||||||||||||||||=   ||=   ||= **6.75 / 10 (67.50%)** ||=   ||

10) How bad would you say your Tourettes symptoms are, on a scale of 1 to 10, AFTER you used any medication or alternative therapy? 1 star being only minor tics 10 stars being Coprolalia.


 * ~  ||~ 1 ||~ 2 ||~ 3 ||~ 4 ||~ 5 ||~ 6 ||~ 7 ||~ 8 ||~ 9 ||~ 10 ||~ Responses ||~ Weighted Average ||~   ||
 * =  ||= 18 (7.38%) ||= **40 (16.39%)** ||= 38 (15.57%) ||= 31 (12.70%) ||= 39 (15.98%) ||= 27 (11.07%) ||= 21 (8.61%) ||= 15 (6.15%) ||= 4 (1.64%) ||= 11 (4.51%) ||= 244 ||= 4.53 / 10 (45.30%) ||=   ||
 * =  ||||||||||||||||||||=   ||=   ||= **4.53 / 10 (45.30%)** ||=   ||

11) Do you prefer Medications from a doctor or Alternative therapies to treat symptoms?


 * Medications from a doctor 116 (51.6%)
 * Alternative therapies 109 (48.4%)

12) At what age were you diagnosed with Tourette's or at what age did symptoms start appearing?


 * Between 0-3 30 (11.1%)
 * Between 4-7 125 (46.3%)
 * Between 8-11 68 (25.2%)
 * Between 12-15 28 (10.4%)
 * Between 16 - 20 13 (4.8%)
 * Between 21 - 25 4 (1.5%)
 * Between 26 - 30 2 (0.7%)
 * Between 31 - 35 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 36 - 40 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 41 - 45 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 46-50 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 51 - 60 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 61 -70 0 (0.0%)
 * 71 or above 0 (0.0%)

13) What is your current age?


 * Between 0-3 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 4-7 20 (7.4%)
 * Between 8-11 73 (27.0%)
 * Between 12-15 71 (26.3%)
 * Between 16 - 20 43 (15.9%)
 * Between 21 - 25 17 (6.3%)
 * Between 26 - 30 13 (4.8%)
 * Between 31 - 35 8 (3.0%)
 * Between 36 - 40 7 (2.6%)
 * Between 41 - 45 10 (3.7%)
 * Between 46-50 5 (1.9%)
 * Between 51 - 60 0 (0.0%)
 * Between 61 -70 3 (1.1%)
 * 71 or above 0 (0.0%)

14) Do you have any of the below disorders that are commonly associated with Tourette's Syndrome? (Please check all that apply)


 * Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) 147 (14.8%)
 * Sensory disorders 94 (9.5%)
 * Autism 9 (0.9%)
 * Aspergers 31 (3.1%)
 * Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 180 (18.2%)
 * Depression 82 (8.3%)
 * Anxiety Disorder 160 (16.1%)
 * Self-injurious behaviours (SIBs) 33 (3.3%)
 * Aggression 64 (6.5%)
 * Learning disabilities 76 (7.7%)
 * Oppositional defiant disorder 32 (3.2%)
 * Personality Disorders 7 (0.7%)
 * Dysgraphia 42 (4.2%)
 * Other 34 (3.4%)

15) What is your Gender?

    Analysis:       I believe that the alternative therapies would be better because then you don't have to deal with the side affects, but they both equally calm down the tics. Showed in graphs nine and ten. But everyone is different, so one person might have less tics with medication and someone else have less tics with alternative therapies. So it makes it kind of hard to give a definite answer.   With the side affects, since alternative therapies has less, as shown in graphs three and seven, then that would make it better. But some alternative therapies can take time out of your day, like massage therapy or r    elaxation/therapy tapes,  as with medication you swallow a pill and your done. So I think its all in how you want to look at it. With alternative therapies theirs less side affects. With Medication there's less time needed. <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Conclusion: <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5;">If a person uses alternative <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">therapies <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5;"> then they will have more success at calming their tourettes. Accepted, because the alternative therapies had less side effects. <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5;">Limitations: We couldn't ask about all the medication that is usable. We couldn't get every person with tourettes to answer the <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">servery <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. There might have been human error from the person answering the survey, by them accidentally pressing the wrong choose or there could have been something wrong with their computer or even mine. <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> Bibliography: <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> "Tourette Syndrome." //The Free Dictionary by Farlex//. Farlex, Inc, n.d. Web. <[]>. <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">"Tourette Syndrome." //- Genetics Home Reference//. HONcode Standard, 17 Dec. 2012. Web. 18 Dec. 2012. < [] > " <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Tourette Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What Is the Course of Tourette Syndrome? on MedicineNet." //MedicineNet//. MedicineNet, Inc, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2012. < [] > <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">From our experiment we can not fully conclude whether alternative therapies or medication is better. If you aren't counting the side affects or are willing to deal with them then medication is better, but if you aren't willing to put up with the side effects or you are including them then alternative therapies are better. They both calm down the tics in tourettes but its just the way that you want to go about it and the side affects that's different.
 * Male 170 (63.4%)
 * <span class="variant" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Female 98 (36.6%)