Tourette's Syndrome

The Oprah Winfrey Show | November 08, 2005

Along with physical symptoms, people with Tourette's syndrome often struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This triple threat often becomes the most challenging aspect of Tourette's.

Children with Tourette's and OCD may be afraid of germs or disgusted by spit. One child in the HBO documentary I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me says he has to touch everything an even number of times, while another says looking at sharp corners makes his eyes hurt.

Amanda says it feels like her OCD has taken over her life. "[OCD] makes me feel like I'm not wanted in this world," she says.

Jasper's OCD causes him to fixate and become obsessed with simple things like buying a new bike or getting an archery set.