Tic Disorders and ADHD in Children: Expert Insights from South Korea on Diagnosis and Care

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] [Physician's Column] By Dae-uk Kim, Hae Arim Korean Medicine Clinic, Daegu Branch

Many South Korean parents are surprised to learn that their child’s stubbornness or playful behavior may actually stem from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or co-occurring tic disorders. One parent reflected, "I thought my child was simply strong-willed and mischievous. I never realized ADHD could disrupt friendships, and discovering a tic disorder as well made me regret not noticing sooner."

Tic disorders and ADHD are well-recognized conditions that often emerge in preschool and elementary school-aged children. Parents usually seek medical advice after noticing behavioral or social difficulties at school. With early diagnosis and individualized treatment, many children show significant improvement, and some may even achieve full remission of symptoms.

Tic disorders are defined as sudden, rapid, repetitive, and involuntary movements or vocalizations, classified as motor or vocal tics. They may present as simple actions such as blinking or throat-clearing, or more complex movements and sounds, as seen in Tourette syndrome. Unlike intentional behaviors, tics are involuntary and may intensify over time, occasionally even occurring during sleep.


Dr. Dae-uk Kim, a neuropsychiatry specialist at Hae Arim Korean Medicine Clinic in Daegu, explained, "Tic disorders likely result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors that alter neural circuits in the developing brain. Psychological stress and environmental triggers can further exacerbate symptoms." He added that many children with tic disorders also have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, or social anxiety disorder, requiring a holistic treatment approach.

ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Children may struggle to sit still, focus on tasks, or maintain conversations, often interrupting or becoming easily distracted. These difficulties can strain communication and peer relationships. In some cases, ADHD persists into adulthood, contributing to job instability, emotional volatility, irritability, and rapid mood changes.

Dr. Kim highlighted the inattentive subtype of ADHD, characterized by concentration difficulties without hyperactivity. "This can be identified through standardized assessments and formal ADHD evaluations," he noted.

Effective treatment for tic disorders and ADHD rests on understanding their involuntary nature. Reprimanding or punishing a child for tics can worsen symptoms and erode self-esteem. Dr. Kim emphasizes empathetic communication, urging parents to listen attentively to their child’s concerns and validate their emotional experiences. “Pressuring children to suppress tics risks undermining a child’s confidence,” he cautions.

“Supporting their needs and encouraging regular structured physical activities can ease symptoms and foster self-worth.”

Reducing academic stress is vital, as excessive pressure can aggravate symptoms. Dr. Kim advises limiting exposure to overstimulating media like video games, smartphones, or television, which can heighten brain excitability and worsen tics or ADHD symptoms. He underscores the need for patience during treatment, given the cyclical nature of improvement and setbacks. “Parents should offer steady encouragement and allow their child time to progress without pressure,” he advises.

Lim Hye Jung, medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

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