Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleMultiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic for more than 1 year, starting before age 18.
Symptoms
- Simple motor tics (blinking, shrugging)
- Complex motor tics (touching, jumping)
- Simple vocal tics (sniffing, throat clearing)
- Complex vocal tics (words, phrases)
- Premonitory urge before tics
- Tics that wax and wane
How diagnosis works
- Tourette syndrome: multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic.
- Tics present for more than 1 year, starting before age 18.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Therapies & support
- CBIT / habit reversal therapy
- Exposure and response prevention for tics
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024