Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a chronic movement disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. This report looks at TS through the eyes of three families and two adults diagnosed with the syndrome. The social and psychological reactions and adjustment to the disorder are examined. Three approaches were used to explore the issues: a literature review; field notes and unstructured biographical interviews. Social and psychological reactions include: depression, withdrawal and suicidal ideation. Unresponsiveness on the part of the health care and social service systems contributed to feelings of anger, powerlessness, guilt and shame. The families' and individuals' ability to lobby for services was an important factor in enhancing adjustment. TS is a multi-faceted disorder; it serves as a paradigm for issues and problems that are best served by a multi-disciplinary approach. Services must be coordinated; a case management approach would facilitate efficient coordination and delivery of services.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.22710 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | Rybak, Celina |
| Contributors | Stainton, Tim (advisor) |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Master of Social Work (School of Social Work.) |
| Rights | © Celina Rybak, 1995 |
| Relation | alephsysno: 001467540, proquestno: MM05511, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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