Understanding Tourette Syndrome

"The more people know, the better equipped they are to improve the lives of everyone living with Tourette.

People living with Tourette syndrome (TS) often face challenges, such as co-occurring conditions including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), discrimination, exhaustion, bullying, and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, many people with Tourette are high achievers, resilient, and lead rich and fulfilling lives. An accurate diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals and their families are the key to this success.

There are many ideas and misconceptions about Tourette syndrome (TS)—what it is, how it affects individuals who have it, and what it means to everyone around them. This is why CDC works to understand TS and its effect on individuals, families, and the community. Here’s what we have learned so far.

• About 140,000 children aged 6 to 17 years in the United States have ever been diagnosed with TS.¹ Because only about half of children with Tourette are diagnosed, the actual number may be twice as high — 300,000 — and even more have another tic disorder.
• TS affects children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being and can negatively impact their health, education, employment, family, and friendships.
• People with TS have many healthcare needs including healthcare visits, special educational services, medication, and psychological and behavioral counseling..."
  Tourette Syndrome