Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders

Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders affect around 1% of the population. The presentation can range from relatively innocuous stereotyped movements and noises, through to more severe symptoms resulting in significant social and psychological disability. Although the majority of tic disorders present in childhood, a third of those affected experience tics into adulthood. The prevalence suggests that most GPs will have patients with tic disorders in their practice.