What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common, genetic disorder whose primary manifestations are the presence of motor tics. There are, however, many associated features such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, short attention span, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, dyslexia, short temper, discipline problems, stuttering, multiple phobias, anxiety attacks, depression, wide mood swings, inappropriate sexual behaviors, and problems with normal socialization.

Recognize the Symptoms:

• Rapid eye blinking, facial grimacing
• Head jerking, crotch touching, or other muscle tics
• Throat clearing, barking, sniffing
• Squeaking, or other kinds of repeated vocal noises
• Short attention span. Hyperactivity
• Learning disabilities or dyslexia
• Behavioral problems
• Short temper, confrontational and oppositional defiance
• Unable to take no for an answer, tantrums over nothing
• A lot of phobias
• Anxiety attacks
• Depression
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
  

— From Tourette Syndrome and Human Behavior by David Comings,  Hope Press