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Tourette Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics, which often emerge in childhood.

Overview

If you have Tourette syndrome, you make unusual movements or sounds, called tics. You have little or no control over them. Common tics include throat-clearing and blinking. You may repeat words, spin, or, rarely, blurt out swear words.

Associated Conditions

Tourette syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system. It often occurs with other problems, such as:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown. It is more common in boys than girls. The tics usually start in childhood and may be worst in the early teens. Many people eventually outgrow them.

Treatment & Management

No treatment is needed unless the tics interfere with everyday life. Excitement or worry can make tics worse, while calm, focused activities may make them better. Medicines and talk therapy may also help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Managing Tourette syndrome often involves reducing stress and avoiding triggers that exacerbate tics, such as fatigue, excitement, or anxiety. Engaging in calming, focused activities like reading, drawing, or playing a musical instrument can help reduce tic frequency. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specifically the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), is highly effective as it teaches patients to recognize the premonitory urge and replace the tic with a competing, less noticeable response. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and a balanced diet also supports overall neurological stability and can help minimize symptom severity.
For most individuals, tics peak in severity during the early teenage years, typically between ages 10 and 12. After this peak, the intensity and frequency of tics often gradually decrease. Many people experience significant improvement in their late teens and early adulthood, and some may outgrow their tics entirely. However, the course of the condition varies widely; some individuals continue to have tics into adulthood, though they are often less severe or disruptive than they were during their peak years.
The key distinction is the presence of a premonitory urge, which is a physical sensation of tension or discomfort that is temporarily relieved by performing the tic. While normal habits like blinking or fidgeting are voluntary and can be stopped at will, tics are involuntary and difficult to suppress for long periods. Additionally, Tourette syndrome requires a specific pattern of multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that have persisted for more than a year. If your child has been suppressing tics for extended periods or the movements are interfering with their daily activities, a pediatric neurologist can perform a clinical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
Tourette syndrome has a strong genetic component, meaning it can run in families. If a parent or sibling has the condition, the risk for other children is higher than in the general population. However, there is no single genetic test that can definitively diagnose Tourette syndrome. Diagnosis is clinical, based on the history and observation of tics. If you are concerned about your other children, it is best to monitor them for early signs of tics and consult with a pediatric neurologist who can provide guidance on what to watch for and when to seek a formal evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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