a possible significance of the tics is in mimicking the behavior of a parent, as when someone, out of sight of the speaker, rolls their eyes to express disapproval or resentment or anger. family dynamics may reflect overly aggressive or controlling attitude on the part of parent(s), and deep inhibitions and felt helplessness in the child, in the face of this controlling influence.

observations while the family is together may help clarify the nature of some of the child's reactions - the tic at times appears to be a sarcastic mimicry of parental behavior or vocalization, brought to extremes by the frightened child in order to conceal the hostile or angry intent.

[ 29. February 2004, 21:43: Message edited by: bwv11 ]

__________________
"The need to perform adjustments for covariates...weakens the findings." BMJ Clinical Evidence: Mental Health, (No. 11), p. 95.... It's that simple, guys: bad numbers make bad science.