It’s possible to have both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tics. But ADHD doesn’t directly cause tics, and vice versa.

ADHD is a type of developmental disorder often characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Tic disorders (TDs), on the other hand, cause sudden, uncontrollable muscle movements that are both repetitive and fast. Tourette syndrome is the most common type of tic-related disorder.

Some research suggests that the two conditions commonly occur together. Around 20% of people with ADHD experience tics, while an estimated 50% of individuals with TDs may also have ADHD.

Overall, researchers believe ADHD and tic disorders are two separate conditions that don’t cause one another. But the overlap between these two disorders is notable, and it’s worth discussing possible diagnosis and treatment options with a doctor.

ADHD is among the most commonly diagnosed conditions in children, though it’s also possible to be diagnosed with this developmental disorder as an adult. It’s classified by:

  • Hyperactivity: This can cause symptoms of restlessness, excessive talking, and the need to move around frequently.
  • Inattention: People with this type of ADHD have significant difficulties with paying attention and staying on task. They may also appear disorganized.
  • Impulsivity: ADHD can also cause more impulsive behaviors. These can include harmless symptoms, such as interrupting other people when they talk, or more serious issues, such as engaging in risky behaviors without thinking them through.

There are three main types of ADHD that are each categorized by the types of symptoms that stand out the most. These include:

  • mostly hyperactive ADHD
  • mostly inattentive ADHD
  • combined ADHD, which is the most common

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t clear, but researchers believe it may be related to genes, brain structure, and hormones.

»More on this: What is ADHD?

TDs are a group of neurological conditions that may cause uncontrollable movements or sounds that are also repetitive in nature. Like ADHD, TDs usually begin in childhood, but they can develop during adulthood, too.

There are also three different types of TDs:

  • Tourette syndrome: This is the most common TD. Tourette syndrome is diagnosed when a person has at least two motor tics and one vocal tic, and both symptoms have lasted for longer than 1 year.
  • Chronic (persistent) motor or vocal tic disorder: This type of TD is diagnosed when you have experienced motor or vocal tics (but not both) for more than 1 year.
  • Provisional tic disorder: Unlike Tourette syndrome and chronic TD, a provisional TD is diagnosed when you experience motor tics, vocal tics, or both for less than 1 year.

Like ADHD, the exact cause of TDs is unknown. Researchers believe TDs may develop as a result of certain changes in your brain that influence movement. TDs may also occur alongside ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Which TD is most commonly linked with ADHD?

Tourette syndrome is linked with ADHD more than any other type of TD. It’s also the most prevalent TD form.

Research from 2016 found that between 35% and 90% of children with Tourette syndrome also experience ADHD symptoms.

No, ADHD doesn’t directly cause tics and TDs.

However, there may be an association between the two conditions, as both may be linked with issues in brain circuit connections and neurotransmitters. What’s more, both ADHD and TDs may have a genetic component.

With that said, ADHD does not cause tics, and TDs don’t directly cause ADHD. Also, not everyone who has ADHD develops tics.

Tics, including those that occur alongside ADHD, may be motor (movement) or vocal in nature.

Urges associated with motor and vocal tics can feel uncomfortable, and you might feel better after you’re able to make these types of movements.

Motor tics may include an irrepressible urge to:

  • blink your eyes
  • grimace
  • bang your head
  • touch objects or people

Vocal tics, on the other hand, can present as difficult to manage:

  • sounds or phrases you repeat
  • coughing
  • sniffing
  • grunting
  • humming

Are ADHD tics the same as stimming?

ADHD tics are different from stimming.

Stimming also involves repetitive movements, but it’s considered a self-regulatory behavior that you might perform in response to sensory stimuli, emotions, thoughts, and discomfort.

Common examples of stimming include hand flapping, echolalia, and repeated blinking of the eyes.

Stimming is also most commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder, but some people with ADHD or OCD might experience these symptoms as well.

Learn more: What is ADHD stimming?

The urges behind TDs can be difficult to manage, and they can occur during times of stress or excitement, tiredness, calmness, or boredom.

As such, tics can be unpredictable and sometimes interfere with daily activities.

If you already have a diagnosis of ADHD or a TD, a medical specialist, like a psychiatrist, can provide a diagnosis of the second condition based on an evaluation of your symptoms and your answers to several questionnaires.

For an ADHD diagnosis, a person must experience five or more symptoms (six in children) for at least 6 months. To confirm ADHD, the symptoms must also:

  • interfere with daily activities
  • present before age 12 years
  • not be associated with a mental health condition

For a TD diagnosis, you must experience at least one motor or vocal tic for a significant length of time. Tourette syndrome may be diagnosed if your symptoms last for 1 year or more.

Not everyone who has ADHD and tics requires treatment. Instead, a doctor can help develop a management plan based on the overall severity of your symptoms.

ADHD tics may be managed with a combination of medications and behavioral interventions. This is similar to the management options for ADHD and TDs individually, although a doctor might consider methods that work for both conditions if you have symptoms of each.

Possible pharmacological treatments for concurrent ADHD and tics may include:

Behavioral options may include:

Tics may last for a few months at a time and come and go for several years. Most people may experience improvements in their tics and complete resolution of their symptoms.

ADHD and TDs are neurological conditions that don’t have a single known cause.

While there are sometimes overlapping symptoms between these two disorders, experts don’t believe that one causes the other.

Nevertheless, having ADHD and a TD (particularly Tourette syndrome) is a relatively common experience. Not all cases require treatment, but it’s important to talk with a doctor if you have ADHD and you’re experiencing tics that interfere with your daily activities.