Tourette Syndrome (TS)

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition that usually begins in childhood and is marked by sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics.

For some, tics are mild and manageable, while for others they can be more noticeable and disruptive. With the right treatment and support, many people with Tourette Syndrome live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Tics can vary greatly from person to person. For some, they are mild and barely noticeable, while for others they can be frequent, disruptive, and interfere with daily activities. Stress, excitement, or fatigue may make tics more pronounced, but they often change in type and intensity over time.

Types of Tic Disorders

Tourette Syndrome belongs to a group of conditions called tic disorders. These include:

• •Tourette Syndrome (TS): both motor tics (movements) and vocal tics (sounds) that persist for more than one year.
• •Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder: either motor tics or vocal tics lasting longer than a year, but not both.
• •Provisional Tic Disorder: motor and/or vocal tics that have been present for less than a year.

Associated Features

Although tics are the main feature, many individuals with TS also experience other challenges such as:

• •Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors (repetitive thoughts or actions)
• •Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• •Anxiety or mood difficulties
• •Sleep problems or difficulties with impulse control

Not everyone with Tourette Syndrome has these co-occurring conditions, but they are common enough that treatment often addresses more than just the tics.

Understanding and Treatment

Tourette Syndrome is not caused by something a person did—it is believed to result from differences in the brain circuits that regulate movement and control impulses. While there is no cure, there are effective strategies to manage symptoms:

• •Behavioral therapies, such as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which teaches skills to reduce tic frequency and impact and Habit Reversal Training (HRT).
• •Medication may be helpful when tics are severe or significantly interfere with daily life.
• •Supportive approaches, including stress management, school accommodations, and counseling, can improve quality of life.

Additional Resources

• •IOCDF - Tourette Syndrome
• •Tourette Association of America