Three informative video sessions — filmed at the April 2010 Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) National Conference, to help children, teens, young adults and families — are now available for viewing at the National TSA Website.

Just in time for Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, which starts May 15, the National TSA has distributed two print public service announcements (PSAs).

One is geared to youth — and one is geared to adults.

Feel free to download, print, distribute, and post these documents in appropriate locations — schools, libraries, doctor’s offices, etc. — to help raise awareness of Tourette Syndrome.

We apologize for not posting this information sooner.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has released a draft of the proposed diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), expected to be finalized and published in 2013. The public is encouraged to review the current draft and offers comments via the DSM-5 Web site by April 20.

To view and comment on the proposed changes, go here. The National TSA’s position on the proposed changes is available here.

The diagnostic criteria in the DSM are used widely by physicians, insurance companies, and other professionals for diagnosing medical conditions and managing medical-care reimbursements for individuals with neuropsychological disorders, including Tourette syndrome.

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Commenting Instructions

At the home page of the APA’s DSM-5 Web site, you should see a list in the center of the page. Find and click on this item: “Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence.”

Scroll down the new page. Toward the bottom, you should see “Tic Disorders.” Click on “307.23 Tourette’s Disorder.”

Again, scroll down the new page until you see the option: “Register Now.”

After clicking “Register Now,” fill in the form with your name and contact information; answer the security question and submit the page.

You will be sent an email with a temporary password.

Once you have this temporary password, go back to the APA’s DSM-5 Web site and log in (at the top, right-hand side of the screen) with your username and the password that was emailed to you.

After logging in, you will be taken back to the home page of the APA DSM-5 Web site. Again, click on “Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence” and then “307.23 Tourette’s Disorder.”

At this point, now that you’re registered, you should see a comment box at the bottom of the screen. Type in your comment, answer the security question, and submit your comment. You should receive a confirmation saying that your comment has been submitted.

Your Facebook votes in the first round helped the National TSA place among the top 100 charities to receive $25,000.

Your votes are needed again — and this time, the organization that gets the most votes receives $1 million, with the next five vote-getters receiving $100,000.

Please vote today.

If you’re already a Facebook member, go here to vote — then scroll down to read the National TSA’s “Big Idea” for using the funds to help those affected by Tourette Syndrome across the country.

If you’re not yet a Facebook member, please join so you can vote for TSA.

If you’re on Facebook, visit the National TSA Facebook page, become a fan, and stay informed about Tourette Syndrome news, events, publications, and other updates.

Charities that receive the most votes on Facebook have an opportunity to receive funding between $25,000 and $1 million.

If you’re already a Facebook member, go here to vote.

If you’re not yet a Facebook member, join, then vote for TSA.

The National TSA is now offering a section of its Web site in Spanish.

The new section features an array of informative, Spanish-language articles and videos designed to provide answers to the kinds of questions most frequently asked by individuals and families who have received a new diagnosis.

The National TSA has added two new videos to its Web site, to help physicians and clinicians in their efforts to recognize, diagnose and treat Tourette Syndrome (TS).

Tourette Syndrome: Anger Control and Management
John T. Walkup, MD, Chair of the TSA Medical Advisory Board, talks about children with Tourette Syndrome and anger control issues. He discusses what might cause anger episodes, and what can be done in the home to address symptoms effectively.

Tourette Syndrome: Sorting Out Complex Symptoms
In this segment, Dr. Walkup talks about working in the clinic to sort out complex presentations in children with Tourette Syndrome (TS). He discusses co-morbid conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and other problems, which often complicate the cases of children with TS.

These brief, informative videos offer clear discussion and share proven strategies to help families better understand TS, assist clinicians in their treatment formulations, and promote overall improvement in the lives of children, adults, and families affected by TS.

The videos are presented free of charge. Physicians and treating clinicians (such as psychologists, social workers and counselors) will find both videos essential viewing. Families are encouraged not only to watch these programs, but to share their availability with health care providers.