Using a Biopsychosocial Paradigm in Social Work Practice with Children who have Tourette Syndrome

Abstract

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that is often under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed in children because of the lack of education and awareness of the wide range of indicators and symptoms of the disorder. Through the use of a case study and review of the empirically based literature, this article aims to describe the etiology and symptomatology of the disorder using a biopsychosocial paradigm that informs clinical practice with children who have TS and their families.

Youth with Tourette syndrome: Parental perceptions and experiences in the Australian context

“…This is consistent with Ray's (2002) notion of the 'invisible work' that parents of children with chronic conditions undertake. Consistent with anecdotal reports, both the child and mother also endured a lack of understanding, acceptance, and stigmatisation (Collins, 2005;Conelea et al, 2011;Davis et al, 2004;Dedmon, 1990;Packer, 1997Packer, , 2005.…”

“…As previously noted (Collins, 2005;Dedmon, 1990), the later was experienced as a highly traumatic major life event for mothers. As previously noted (Collins, 2005;Dedmon, 1990), the later was experienced as a highly traumatic major life event for mothers.…”

“…When compared with unaffected families, parents of a child with TS experienced higher rates of parental stress and frustration (Bitsko et al, 2014;Robinson, Bitsko, Schieve, & Visser, 2013;Stewart, Greene, Lessov-Schlaggar, Church, & Schlaggar, 2015), substance abuse, and marital dysfunction (Stefl, 1983). Most caregivers also encounter low levels of acceptance and understanding of TS, high rates of delayed and mistaken diagnosis, a lack of adequate specialist TS services, with the child often having unmet mental health-care needs (Bitsko et al, 2014), in addition to stigmatisation, negative stereotyping, and social isolation related to TS (Collins, 2005;Conelea et al, 2011;Davis, Davis, & Dowler, 2004;Dedmon, 1990;Eapen & Č rnčec, 2009).…”

The Differential Impact of Tourette's Syndrome and Comorbid Diagnosis on the Quality of Life and Functioning of Diagnosed Children and Adolescents

“…These negative social consequences may be a function of the disturbing and disruptive nature of TS symptomatology. This hypothesis is supported by research identifying the low levels of acceptance and understanding, and high rates of stigma and negative stereotypes associated with TS (Collins, 2005).…”

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Its Significance to Social Work

“…A core tenet of the social work profession, the BPS model is a dynamic and comprehensive conceptual framework and practice approach that carefully considers all aspects of a person's lifebiological, psychological and social (as well as cultural and spiritual)-and the contextual factors, systems and environmental influences that might impact his or her wellbeing (Collins 2006). This approach encourages the completion of a thorough, multidimensional assessment so that a person's circumstances and experiences can be fully captured, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment decisions.…”