[Update on tic disorders and Tourette syndrome]

Tic disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by involuntary motor and/or vocal expressions (tics). According to ICD-10 and ICD-11 classifications they are differentiated into transient (≤ 12 months) and chronic (> 12 months) tic disorders; the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome requires the presence of multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic persisting for more than 1 year. Typical features of tics include onset in childhood, a premonitory urge, at least partial suppressibility and a rostrocaudal distribution. Differential diagnoses include other hyperkinetic neurological disorders as well as obsessive-compulsive symptoms, stereotypes and functional tic-like behaviors, the latter often presenting with a late, abrupt onset and predominantly complex expressions. Behavioral therapy is considered the first-line treatment for clinically relevant tics. Pharmacological treatment includes off-label use of dopamine antagonists, such as aripiprazole. Comorbidities are common and require targeted comanagement.