Drumming and Tourettes?

[matt]

I've heard taking up the drums can be good for reducing the frequency of tics. Is there any evidence for this?

[Suz13 Volunteer]

Although I don't know of any clinical data about the benefits of drumming. Anecdotally we have lots of reports about drumming offering release/relief from tics. In fact any musical activity seems to help.

[kevin in reply to Suz13]

I play guitar not drums but I do tend to tic a lot less when I play. I think if you are able to immerse yourself in any kind of activity that you enjoy then it takes your mind off the tics

[catherinem in reply to Suz13]

I'm a musician also, I'm a double bass player, I also find that my tics virtually stop when I'm playing, I tried playing drums but my co-ordination is really awful, but I am always tapping and banging things.

[twitch1]

I find drumming relaxing, so it helps reduce the anxiety-driven tics, and also while I am actually engaged in musical activity I do agree that the concentration lessens the tics considerably.

[Garryoke Volunteer]

Brilliant post, I don't think it's just about drumming, it's about playing music or drawing/painting as a whole. I suppose gardening would help as well, anything that is theraputic really. I go into a sort of dreamstate when I play my guitar. I even forget to breathe to be honest!

[matt in reply to Garryoke]

Thanks - by the way Garryoke is an inspired name!

[Garryoke Volunteer in reply to Garryoke]

No problem Matt, the name was given to me a few years ago. If I wasn't in a band or playing guitar I'd normlly be hosting a Karaoke somewhere and as my name is Garry - it turned into Garryoke : )

[Bee73]

I know this is an old post but had to reply!! Joe, my 12 yr old son has TS & OCD and is a gifted musician and has recently been recognised as Gifted and Talented for his music at his high school. He is a self taught drummer and guitarist (picked up his first pair of drumsticks at aged 3ish after always tapping music out) but has had lessons to further his challenge. He's now Grade 5 guitar and although he's only taking grades for Guitar, he is probably the same level for drums. In fact his teacher believes he's more a Grade 7 but we (and Joe) think it's good to pace him and go through the grades one at a time rather than rushing through, especially as exams are very stressful for Joe and he doesn't do particularly well on the question side of things as his OCD rears it's ugly head and buggers things up for him! My 6 yr old son (not diagnosed, but got an inkling.....) is also a demon drummer. He seems to feel the music much more and can memorise tunes straight off and has been able to since a toddler. He was always babbling jingles to adverts, getting the harmonies spot on! He's an amaazing singer too. I love being part of a musical house although I'm sure we're not everyones cup of tea as ideal neighbours (got 3 drumkits, 2 electric guitars and 2 accoustics) but I'm very strict on when and how long they can play. Did anyone see the documentary a few years back about TS/brain disorders and music linking the two? It had Oliver Sacks on it and Nick Van Bloss (amazing musical talent on the piano). Really thought provoking.

[dottyspot]

My 16 year old son is a drummer and percussion guitarist. He is completely relaxed when playing and does not tic at all. His music has given him such confidence, and calms him down when he is stressed, and so prevents him from tic-ing. Watching and listening to him play is a delight! I think that activity that absorbs you and "makes your heart sing" has to be worth pursuing!