Tourette Syndrome in Romantic Relationships
Introduction
- Presenter: Amethyst Johnson-Creek, Manager of Information and Referral Services at the Tourette Association of America (TAA)
- Guests: Dr. Katie Campolidi, Eric McGowan
- Focus: Navigating romantic relationships when one or both partners have Tourette Syndrome (TS)
About Tourette Association of America (TAA)
- Mission: To improve lives of individuals with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders
- Activities: Raise awareness, advance research, provide support through centers of excellence, chapters, and support groups
Presenters
Dr. Katie Campolidi
- Role: Educational Director of Movement Disorders at Rush University Medical Center
- Contributions: Research on new treatments for Tourette Syndrome and other movement disorders
Eric McGowan
- Background: Bachelor of Science in Acoustics, Master of Arts in Architecture
- Involvement: TAA Southern California Chapter, advocacy, camp director
Navigating Romantic Relationships with Tourette's
Types of Love
- Eros: Passionate love
- Philia: Friendship love
- Storge: Familiar love
- Agape: Selfless love
- Ludus: Playful love
- Pragma: Pragmatic love
- Philautia: Self-love
Longing in Relationships
- Intimacy, social connection, sexual relations
Partner Selection Influences
- Self-identity, similarities, social class, religious preferences, ethnic/racial identity
Stages of Relationship Development
- Attraction
- Invitational Communication
- Explorational Communication
- Intensifying Communication
- Revising Communication
- Commitment
- Navigating Changes
Challenges for Adults with Tourette's
- Stigma, fear of rejection, lack of social skill opportunities
- Self-doubt and lack of self-confidence
- Comorbid conditions (depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD)
- Emotional regulation impacts
Disclosure in Relationships
Key Considerations
- Weather to disclose based on potential for long-term relationship and tic severity
- Why disclose: Obligation to honesty, impact on relationship
- When to disclose: Trust level, relationship potential
- How to disclose: Use natural openings, third-party help
- What to disclose: Provide digestible information
Perceptions and Interactions
- Impact of past experiences and family on self-perception
- Strategies for coping and communication
Advice for Those Dating Individuals with Tourette's
- Keep things light, ignore trivial issues
- Understand tics as involuntary
- Don't try to fix the individual
Advice for Individuals with Tourette's
- Play to strengths, use humor
- Remember you are more than your Tourette's
- Disclose as comfortable, with appropriate detail
Conclusion
- Romantic relationships are possible and fulfilling despite Tourette's
- Disclosure strategies vary; do what's comfortable
- Rejection isn't always due to Tourette's; focus on finding accepting partners
Q&A Highlights
- Planning Dates: Balance between comfort and disclosure
- Dealing with Insensitive Reactions: Gauge if ignorance can be addressed, otherwise move on
- Tips for Newlyweds: Communication and understanding comorbid conditions are crucial
Closing Remarks
- Feedback encouraged through surveys
- Upcoming virtual conference
These notes aim to provide a comprehensive summary for students reviewing the lecture on navigating romantic relationships with Tourette Syndrome.