POV Season 8 Episode 7 Twitch and Shout
- July 11, 1995
In POV season 8 episode 7, titled Twitch and Shout, viewers are taken on a journey to discover the world of Tourette's Syndrome through the eyes of six individuals who live with the condition. The episode provides a candid look at the lives of these people as they navigate their daily routines, personal relationships, and prejudices associated with Tourette's.
By following the stories of these individuals, viewers learn about the various ways in which Tourette's can manifest, from vocal tics to physical movements, and the different coping mechanisms that those affected by it employ to manage their symptoms. The episode also explores the psychological impact of living with such a condition, highlighting the emotional strains and struggles that individuals with Tourette's often face.
One example featured in the episode is a young boy named Cole, who was diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of six. We see how his parents and peers often misunderstand his symptoms, which has made it difficult for him to make friends and fit in. Despite this, Cole remains resilient through his love for music, and we see how he channels his Tourette's into his drumming.
Another person featured in the episode is Greg, a successful businessman in his forties who only recently discovered he has Tourette's. Greg has spent most of his life battling depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, only to learn that Tourette's played a significant role in his struggles. Through therapy and medication, Greg is finally able to manage his symptoms, and he shares his newfound freedom with others through advocacy work.
In Twitch and Shout, we also meet other individuals, including a mother who worries her young daughter may also inherit the condition, and a teenager who faces significant backlash for his Tourette's symptoms in his football team. Through their stories, we see how society often shuns those with Tourette's, and how the lack of understanding perpetuates the stigma surrounding the condition.
Overall, Twitch and Shout is a poignant and enlightening episode that sheds light on the lives of those who live with Tourette's. It challenges viewers to examine their preconceived notions of the condition and its impact on individuals, and offers insight into the lives of six brave people who refuse to be defined by their symptoms.