Tourette's syndrome: old syndrome, new insights and new treatment

Recognized for over 300 years, Tourette's syndrome was originally ascribed as a rare bizarre psychogenic illness. Because of recent advances in research on Tourette's syndrome, this disorder is not only the rarity once thought, but also a common, biological, genetic disorder with a spectrum of neurobehavioral manifestations that wax and wane during its entire natural course. In addition to standard neuroleptics, much progress in Tourette's syndrome research has widened its pharmacotherapy to include alpha2-adrenergic agonists and atypical neuroleptics as well as behavioral modification, adjustments, and different surgical approaches. Despite a myriad of reports, there are still many unresolved facts, which stimulate research into the underlying mechanisms of this complex neuropsychiatric disorder. We anticipate that continued success of research in this area will lead to molecular insights, identification of vulnerable genes, and eventually novel therapies that can target all aspects of this complex disorder.