How to treat eye blinking in children with tic disorders
Nov 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, treatment for eye blinking in children with tic disorders may include lifestyle adjustments, habit reversal training, relaxation training, supportive psychotherapy, and antipsychotic medications. If symptoms persist without improvement, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, effective management of eye blinking in children with tic disorders requires cooperation from parents, teachers, and other involved parties.
Generally, childhood tic disorder involving eye blinking can be treated through lifestyle adjustments, habit reversal training, relaxation training, supportive psychotherapy, and antipsychotic medications. If symptoms do not improve over an extended period, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital immediately. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Lifestyle Adjustments
Sleep deprivation may exacerbate tic symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure the child gets sufficient sleep and establish a regular sleep schedule, allowing the child's body and mind to adapt to a consistent rhythm. Additionally, consumption of foods containing artificial coloring and other stimulatory ingredients should be reduced to avoid worsening tic symptoms.
2. Habit Reversal Training
This approach mainly helps children identify the premonitory urges before a tic occurs, then actively perform movements opposite to the tic to suppress it. For example, when a child feels the urge to blink, they can be taught to tightly close their eyes and hold this position for several seconds to counteract the impulse to blink.
3. Relaxation Training
Techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help children reduce both physical and psychological tension, enabling them to learn self-regulation of emotions and physical states.
4. Supportive Psychotherapy
Parents should avoid criticizing, blaming, or overly focusing on the child's tics. Instead, they should provide positive feedback and encourage the child's participation in normal social and academic activities, creating a relaxed and accepting living environment for the child.
5. Antipsychotic Medications
Medications such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, perphenazine tablets, and risperidone tablets can block dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic system, thereby regulating the balance of neurotransmitters and alleviating tic symptoms. It is recommended to take these medications under a doctor's guidance.
In daily life, treating childhood tic disorder involving eye blinking requires cooperation from parents, teachers, and others. During treatment, children should be given encouragement and support to help build their confidence. As this condition often requires long-term treatment, maintaining a positive attitude and being patient and persistent are highly recommended.
