Tourette Syndrome Overview
“Learn the facts about tics and Tourette syndrome (TS) so that you can recognize the signs and get a child with TS help early on.” - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Bridging the Gap Between Tourette Syndrome and Public Health
“Public health can improve the lives of individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and their families, and can help create communities and institutions that support the potential for full, productive living for those affected by TS. Public health emphasizes the prevention of disease and disability, and improves the health and well-being of populations rather than individuals. The 10 Essential Services approach is one framework that provides a foundation for any public health activity. This approach emphasizes three areas: assessed (monitor, diagnose and investigate), policy development (inform and educate people, mobilize partnerships, develop policies) and assurance (link people to needed services, assure a competent workforce, evaluate health services) (1). The purpose of this document is to raise awareness of TS as a public health issue, highlight gaps in knowledge and resources that can be addressed by public health, and begin the process of developing public health priorities for TS.” - CDC Fact Sheet
Key Facts about Tourette Syndrome:
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Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence. It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics.
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Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders are not rare. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 160 children between the ages of 5-17 in the United States has TS and that 1 out of every 100 children has TS or another Tic Disorder.
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Some Tic Disorders may be transient, while others will persist into adolescence and adulthood.
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It is common for people with Tourette Syndrome to be affected by another co-occurring condition.
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Some co-occurring conditions are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
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There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but thanks to years of dedicated research, there are various treatment options.
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