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Tourette’s syndrome: challenging misconceptions and improving understanding

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
tourettes syndrome

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Tourette’s syndrome affects about 1% of the school-age population. Children and young people with the condition exhibit involuntary motor and vocal (also known as phonic) tics. Only 10% of those with Tourette’s syndrome have coprolalia, which involves involuntary swearing and inappropriate language. Tourette’s syndrome often presents with other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Those affected by Tourette’s syndrome may be able to manage the condition with little or no professional support, but some may need pharmacological and nonpharmacological input, particularly from mental health services. It is essential that peers, teachers, healthcare staff and members of the public are aware of Tourette’s syndrome to ensure that children and young people living with the condition are supported well.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to increase your knowledge of Tourette's syndrome and its effects on children and young people

to understand the nurse's role in supporting children and young people with Tourette's syndrome and their families

to contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Mark Freeman-Ferguson

Lecturer - child health nursing, School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland

Acknowledgements

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023