Question:

Hi, I am concerned about my 10 year old son. He is a great kid and very smart. He seems pretty much like alot of kids except he has worried me lately. The past year he has gained weight, and every so often he starts with facial tics. First he blinked his eyes for a few weeks, then he stopped that and started moving his neck left to right. We have talked to him about these and he says it`s a habit. I notice he does this when he is excited or nervous. He once told me when getting ready for school he felt like someone was watching him. I am concerned that he has aniexty but he is not at all an active child. I have encouraged exercise to relieve the inner energy he has. He does not talk fast or move fast in fact its like a lack of energy. He is a thinker and likes to watch tv or play Nintendo. Could you give me some feedback with this information? Thanks so much.

Answer:

Tics are common in childhood but if they persist, even intermittently over a 12 month period, you son should be evaluated further for a tic disorder.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) health topic.