Psychiatrist Questions Psychiatrist

I’m pretty sure I have a tic disorder?

I’m 17 and I have been having involuntary facial movements and sounds, but when I went to my mom with my concerns she told me that she would put me into a mental hospital to be “fixed” and she sits in with me when I go to the doctors. I don’t know what to do. What do you suggest? Should I wait till I’m older and bring it up to my doctor when my mom is no longer allowed to sit in? What do I do in this situation?

Female | 17 years old
Medications: None

5 Answers

You might try speaking to your school counselor if you feel comfortable with them or the school nurse. They may be able to intervene or provide more direct help.
This doesn't seem like a speech therapy related issue but definitely something that needs to be addressed. I would discuss it with a school guidance counselor and consider calling your doctor's office and asking to speak with the nurse or leave a message. You can express your concerns over the phone that you may not feel comfortable doing in person with your mom. I hope that helps!
Discuss this with your pediatrician. Are you on any other medication? For example some ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin can cause tics. And there may be others as well. I am not an MD so you should ask this question of your pediatrician. You may have a tic disorder or you may not. To find out you might need to see a neurologist or a psychiatrist who specializes in tic disorders. If you want to see a doctor such as a psychiatrist your mother does not have to be in the room with you but the doctor would share any results with both of you. You don’t need to go to the hospital to be “fixed”. Your Mom may be scared about this too.

Good luck!

Nancy J Warren, PhD
See this link...
https://childmind.org/guide/guide-to-chronic-motor-or-vocal-tic-disorder/treatment/
or
https://www.additudemag.com/treating-tic-disorders-therapy-medication-lifestyle-changes/
After review, pursue a doctor's appointment w/o mom present in room
You can bring it to your pediatrician's attention and start the evaluation.