Movements or sounds show up on their own schedule. You might suppress them briefly, but that takes effort and usually makes them come back louder later. Stress, excitement, fatigue, or being watched can make them more noticeable. You are not doing this for attention. Your nervous system is improvising. Living with tics often means managing other people’s reactions as much as your own body. You may feel pressure to explain, hide, or apologize for things you did not choose. You do not owe anyone comfort about how your body works.

This diagnosis applies to recurring motor or vocal tics that do not meet full criteria for a specific tic disorder. It helps guide evaluation and treatment based on impact rather than label precision. A good clinician will focus on comfort and function and will gently agree that your nervous system has a flair for dramatic timing.