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Health Professionals
Information and resources for health professionals about Tourette Syndrome
Information for GPs
What is TS and how is it treated?
Tourette syndrome is a genetically determined neurological condition, the key features of which are tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements. TS is a complex condition and covers a wide spectrum of symptoms and associated behaviours, including OCD and ADHD. Only a small percentage of people with TS swear but this is often the most talked about symptom. Each person with TS will have different tics and will experience diverse range of symptoms.
There is no cure for TS, but there are various treatments available including medication and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
You can find more information in our About TS section, or download our ‘What makes us tic?’ booklet, which explains more about the condition. or take our new eLearning module Understanding Tourette syndrome for GPs.
Our eLearning module covers what TS is, the aetiology of TS, other movement disorders and the current diagnostic pathway.
To keep up to date with the latest news and developments about TS, view our research section. You will find details of latest surveys and research projects, many of which are open for your patients to get involved in.
Useful resources
Diagnosing TS
For TS to be diagnosed, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic must be present for at least 12 months.
TS can only be diagnosed by observing and evaluating symptoms and there are rating scales to help with the assessment of tic severity. You can download a list of consultants in the UK who specialise in diagnosing and treating TS. The list includes NHS and private consultants. We also provide a list of behavioural therapists who provide behavioural therapy for managing tics.
Support available for people with TS
Tourettes Action provide a wide range of support services for individuals and families living with TS. Read more about what support is available.
You can also refer your patients to local services, such as disability organisations. Your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) may be able to help younger patients with some of their symptoms of TS, especially those with anger issues, anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, sleep problems and co-morbidities such as OCD and ADHD.
Information for your surgery or clinic
If you would like information about TS to share in your surgery or clinic we would be happy to send you copies of our leaflets free of charge. Please contact our helpdesk with details of where you would like them sent and how many you would like.
Training for clinicians
BTTI provide training for healthcare professionals. They offer online behavioural therapy training and opportunities for clinicians and therapists who want to train in and deliver behavioural therapy for tics. To find out more about upcoming training sessions and to books a place please visit Neuro-Diverse.org | Behavioural Therapy for Tics Institute (BTTI)
We have also created a list of psychological therapists in the UK who offer supervision to other therapists providing Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the treatment of tics & Tourette Syndrome. Some of these practitioners work independently and others practice within a multidisciplinary service. Please note this list is for information purposes only & does not constitute a recommendation. You can download a copy of this list here.
