{"id":34258,"date":"2017-03-13T13:36:37","date_gmt":"2017-03-13T20:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?page_id=34258"},"modified":"2024-01-05T19:11:44","modified_gmt":"2024-01-06T00:11:44","slug":"tourette-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/tourette-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Tourette Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ATourette syndrome<\/strong>\u00a0(also referred to as Tourette\u2019s disorder) is a condition characterized by the presence of tics<\/a>, or sudden and recurrent nonrhythmic movements or vocalizations. It is a hereditary condition for which there is no cure.<\/p>\n

What Is Tourette Syndrome?<\/h2>\n

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)<\/a> characterizes this condition under the broad category of neurodevelopmental disorders, which means that its onset occurs during the developmental period. It is one of three tic disorders listed, the others being persistent motor\u00a0or vocal tic disorder and\u00a0provisional tic disorder.<\/p>\n

Tourette syndrome typically develops between the ages of 4 and 6 and increases in frequency and severity between the ages of 10 and 12. Many people experience a decrease in the symptoms of Tourette syndrome in late adolescence, though some continue to have persistent and severe tics throughout adulthood. Tics can range in severity from mild to severe.\u00a0Sometimes, severe tics can cause injury and can even be debilitating (though such severity is rare). The presence and frequency of tics can change over time, and they may be influenced by factors such as stress<\/a>, fatigue, anxiety<\/a>, and illness.<\/p>\n

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Tourette syndrome affects approximately 1 out of every 160 children in the United States, and the condition is 3-4 times more common in boys.\u00a0It is not yet known what causes Tourette syndrome or similar tic disorders. As they are hereditary conditions, genetics<\/a> play a significant role in their development. Other factors may include environmental or developmental circumstances.<\/p>\n

Symptoms and Diagnosis<\/h2>\n

The primary symptom of Tourette syndrome is the presence of both motor and vocal tics:<\/p>\n