Tourette’s Disorder
A neurodevelopmental tic disorder involving both multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics, present for more than one year.
Overview
Tourette’s disorder involves both multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics that have been present at some point during the illness, though not necessarily concurrently, for more than one year, with onset before age 18.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include sudden, repetitive movements such as blinking or shrugging, and vocal tics such as throat clearing or, less commonly, words or phrases, which can wax and wane over time. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetic factors and differences in brain circuits involving movement regulation are associated with the condition.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) has strong evidence supporting its use.
Medication
Certain medications may be considered for tics that significantly interfere with daily functioning. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Tourette’s Disorder
Reducing stress and fatigue, which can worsen tics, may help manage symptom severity.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many individuals experience a reduction in tic severity by late adolescence or early adulthood.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.