Tourette’s Syndrome: Beyond the Stereotypes

By Maria Mioduszweska

Tourette syndrome has recently appeared in the media for both positive and negative reasons. From the release of the highly acclaimed film ‘I Swear’ to the controversy surrounding a racial slur being shouted at the BAFTA awards, now feels like an appropriate time to shine a light on a condition that is often misunderstood. 

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, sudden and repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. Tics can be either motor or vocal ranging from whistling or swearing to twitching and jumping. They are outside a person’s control and usually unintentional with no aim of causing harm. Although there is no cure for tics, behavioural therapy can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively. 

The exact cause of tourettes remains unknown, although researchers believe it's likely an inherited condition which typically begins during childhood. The condition primarily affects neural circuits connecting the basal ganglia, frontal lobes and cortex, these are areas responsible for motor control and behaviour. Scientists also believe that imbalances in neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) may play a role. Studies have shown patients with tourettes often have smaller basal ganglia structures including the caudate nucleus, however, findings remain inconsistent making detecting and diagnosing tourettes difficult. 

Despite being recognised medically as a neurological disorder, many people perceive tics as bad habits or merely subjects for humour. As a result, discrimination, bullying and social exclusion is often experienced by those suffering from tourettes. Public misunderstandings about Tourette's syndrome can also carry hidden economic costs from exclusion in the labour market to lost productivity caused by stigma rather than disability itself.

It is estimated unemployment rates among people with tourettes are 2 or 3 times higher than those of the general population. 

In response to negative employer attitudes, tourette syndrome became recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. This legislation requires employers to avoid unfavourable treatment, provide support for managing tics and ensure a non-discriminatory inclusive environment. The government could also increase investment in neurological support within the NHS as neurological disorders have been historically underfunded and under-prioritised despite 1 in 6 people in the UK living with a neurological condition. A 2025 survey identified only 12 NHS trusts in England providing a full care pathway for children with tics, one of which is the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which serves as a hub to a specialised regional developmental neuropsychiatry tic disorder service. 

Awareness remains one of the most important tools in tackling misconceptions surrounding tourettes. The public should be better educated that tourettes isn’t merely a swearing disease; coprolalia is actually a rare symptom and only affects 10-30% of people. In reality, tourettes are far more complex than that. Improving awareness could also bring economic benefits by reducing employment barriers, increasing workforce productivity and lowering long-term healthcare costs through earlier more effective interventions. Organisations such as ‘Tourettes action’ heavily focus on education and advocacy by hosting multiple events throughout the year to improve the lives of people living with tourettes.