When is OCD not OCD? The case of Chronic Tic Disorder.

This article presents the case of Jenny, a woman in her 70s whose initial diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was later revised to chronic tic disorder, highlighting the importance of accurate differential diagnosis in older adults. Jenny experienced complex motor and phonic tics that were initially mistaken for compulsions, and her treatment involved cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-informed psychological support focused on anxiety reduction and behavioural activation. The article explains tic disorders, including Tourette's syndrome—a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by motor and phonic tics lasting at least 12 months—and outlines current clinical guidelines recommending psychoeducation and behavioural therapies as first-line treatments. The case underscores the diagnostic challenges and treatment differences between OCD and tic disorders, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians working with older populations.