Tourette Syndrome Through the Ages: A Historical and Contemporary Overview

Persistent tic disorders (PTDs), including Tourette syndrome (TS), are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by the presence of multiple motor and vocal tics for at least 1 year. Nearly 1.4 million Americans have PTDs, including TS. The prevalence is underreported because 50% of individuals who meet criteria for TS are suspected to be undiagnosed. The first clinical descriptions of TS were documented in the 1400s. It was not until 1885 that TS was formally characterized, and not until the 1960s that the understanding of TS shifted from psychological toward current neurobiologic theories. Although understanding of TS has expanded, there remain a lot of unknowns and stigma about the disorder. The goal of this study is to provide a brief historical perspective and review of the current knowledge of TS.