Last reviewed:
Feb 23rd 2023
M.A., LPCC
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, causing involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics. There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but the symptoms often reduce over time and there are therapeutic and medicinal treatments available to help manage the condition.
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the nervous system and causes spontaneous and repeated movements or noises, which are known as tics [1]. Tourette syndrome is one of three tic disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) [2].
Tics are categorized in two ways. Motor tics, which are physical movements, and vocal tics, which are sounds or words. Tics are involuntary and typically vary in severity, type, and frequency. They may occur at any time throughout the day. However, tics may be worse at certain times of the day and are often exacerbated by anxiety or excitement [3].
People with Tourette syndrome cannot stop their tics from happening, although some are able to repress them for a time. However, suppressing the tics often results in a build up of tension that can only be released by allowing the tic to occur later on [3].
Symptoms of Tourette syndrome typically emerge in childhood, often between the ages of 5 and 10 [1]. Research suggests that the condition affects around 1% of children [4] and that it is significantly more likely to affect boys than girls [5][6].
For many, symptoms of Tourette syndrome will be at their worst in their early teenage years and then significantly reduce in severity as adolescence progresses. However, for others, symptoms may persist into adulthood and may even worsen with age [1][3].
Typically, symptoms of Tourette syndrome emerge in childhood, usually before the age of 10 years old. The first signs to present are often motor tics, usually around the head and neck area, which may include grimacing and jerking movements of the head or shoulder [7].
Simple tics will typically be the first to emerge, often leading to the occurrence of complex tics. Simple tics involve a small movement of one part of the body, or a small, short sound [3].
Simple motor tics include [1][7]:
Simple vocal tics include:
These movements and sounds may be repeated regularly and will often lead to the emergence of complex tics. Complex tics involve movements in a combination of muscles or areas of the body, or the use of several words or noises [3].
Complex motor tics include [1]:
Complex vocal tics include:
It should be noted that, although Tourette syndrome is commonly associated with a person blurting out swear words, this symptom is actually only present in a tenth of all people with the condition and is not a requirement of the diagnosis [8][9].
Another sign of Tourette syndrome is the presence of an urge or build up of tension, known as a premonitory sensation, before a tic. It is usually a sensation felt in the eyes, throat, or muscles that is only relieved by carrying out the tic in this area [1][8].
For many people with Tourette syndrome, the severity of their symptoms is worsened by stress, anxiety, excitement, or tiredness [3].
Children with Tourette syndrome are often likely to experience other conditions as well, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [5][10]. This can also contribute to many children with Tourette syndrome being perceived as disruptive or having behavioral or conduct problems [1][9].
For school children, it can be useful if their teacher is aware of the condition and understands their symptoms. For example, a child with Tourette syndrome might shout or make a lot of movements while in class. If the teacher is unaware of the child’s condition, the teacher may think they are being intentionally disruptive and punish the child. Having a teacher respond in this way could exacerbate the child’s symptoms. It would be best to provide an adapted teaching style that meets the child’s needs [9].
Tourette syndrome in children is around 4 times more likely to occur in boys than girls [5][11]. However, in adults, the prevalence of the condition between genders is more equal and may even be more common or severe in females [6].
Often the symptoms of Tourette syndrome reduce with age, after being most persistent in childhood or adolescence. Research suggests that between 50-66% of children with Tourette syndrome experience a significant reduction in tics by adulthood [12].
However, for some people, symptoms of Tourette syndrome continue into adulthood and may even worsen in severity. Studies have found that adults with persisting symptoms experience a higher prevalence of motor tics and fewer vocal tics. Also, there is a higher prevalence of mood disorders and social anxiety and a lower prevalence of ADHD in adults with Tourette syndrome [10].
Although there is no cure for Tourette syndrome, detecting the condition early and receiving an appropriate diagnosis can allow for quicker access to appropriate treatment. Early detection and intervention can reduce the impact the condition may have on a person’s quality of life.
Below are some examples of how Tourette syndrome can negatively impact a person’s life and why early intervention is key:
Many people with Tourette syndrome do not seek or require treatment for their symptoms if they are able to manage them on their own. However, for others, these symptoms can cause pain, stress, or impaired functioning, so treatment is required to reduce the impact of the condition [3].
Therapeutic interventions can help to reduce the severity of certain symptoms. For example, behavioral therapies can reduce the occurrence of tics by helping to learn alternative ways to release the urge or premonitory sensation and ways to control or tolerate this sensation [13].
Similarly, therapy can help manage symptoms of coexisting conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or OCD, while developing coping strategies and a better understanding of the condition.
Although there are no medications to cure Tourette syndrome, certain medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms or coexisting conditions, including antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline, antipsychotics such as risperidone or haloperidol, and stimulants such as methylphenidate [1].
Your doctor will decide if a medication is appropriate for your treatment, depending on your symptoms and the severity of your condition.
Certain techniques may help with managing symptoms of Tourette syndrome, such as [13]:
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