Lesson 1: Common Childhood Disorders

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is considered a disorder of childhood because the average age of onset occurs before the individual is eight years-old. The most common symptoms of this disorder are facial tics and vocal tics. These behaviours are often repeated in rapid succession for short periods. Tics are not always active in individuals, but they may reappear or worsen during times of stress or fatigue.

This disorder is inherited (genetically linked) and, although there are treatments, there is no cure. Symptoms of this neurological movement disorder may persist through an individual’s life or, as in about 25% of cases, symptoms may disappear before the individual reaches his or her 30th birthday. Tourette syndrome is not linked to a shortened lifespan, intelligence, or race/ethnicity. It is, however, more prevalent in males than females.

Table 1.1: Examples of Tics Experienced in Tourette Syndrome

Video:  What Makes you Tic?

Not everyone who has motor or vocal tics has Tourette syndrome. Some tics are the result of encephalitis, medication side-effects, or brain injury. If there is no evidence or history of brain trauma or encephalitis, and tests (MRI, EEG, CT, blood) do not indicate any other disorder, a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome may be made. Regarding Tourette syndrome, however, symptoms must persist for at least 12 months. In addition to tics, symptoms of Tourette syndrome may include impulsivity, obsessive behaviour, hyperactivity, and depression.