Delivering a psychoeducation group for parents/carers of children with tics or Tourette’s Syndrome in CAMHS

Tic conditions including Tourette’s Syndrome are estimated to affect one in 100 children (Ueda & Black, 2021). Tics are involuntary movements or sounds; they can cause pain and frustrations themselves but are also associated with poorer life quality possibly due to issues with social acceptance. Hywel Dda University Health Board have developed and offered a psychoeducation group for caregivers to help support young people with tics. This provides information about tics and coping strategies and supports caregivers to build acceptance and share experiences. The psychoeducation group was well received by the caregivers who attended; feedback showed they consistently felt more informed and better able to support their young people to manage their tics after the group. Further research is needed to demonstrate that psychoeducation groups for caregivers are a valid evidence-based first line step for supporting the wellbeing of children and young people with tics and Tourette’s Syndrome.