Tourette’s Syndrome and Tics

Tourette’s syndrome causes repeated movements and sounds called tics. These happen involuntarily. They are not deliberate behaviour. This page explains how to get help and support for children, young people and adults.

Illustrative consultation: the pose does not diagnose Tourette’s and is not advice to cover the mouth to suppress tics.

Information checked: 20 October 2026.

Understanding tics

Motor tics are movements, such as blinking, facial movements, shoulder shrugging or head jerking. Vocal tics are sounds, such as sniffing, throat clearing, grunting or repeating words. Tics can change in type and frequency. Some people feel a building urge before a tic and temporary relief afterwards.

Having tics does not automatically mean someone has Tourette’s. Some childhood tics are short-lived. Others persist and need assessment.

Does everyone with Tourette’s swear?

No. Most people with Tourette’s do not have swearing tics. Involuntary socially unacceptable words are called coprolalia. This is one possible symptom, not a requirement for diagnosis. An involuntary word or sound does not tell you what the person thinks or believes.

Symptoms and related difficulties

Tics usually begin in childhood and can continue into adult life. Their impact varies. Some cause little difficulty, while others cause pain, embarrassment or disruption. Stress, excitement and tiredness can affect tics. This does not mean the person is causing them.

Some people also have ADHD, OCD or anxiety. Ask for help with these difficulties too. Support should consider the whole person.

Getting a diagnosis

Speak to a GP if you think you or your child may have Tourette’s. Assessment considers the history of both movement and sound tics, their duration and when they began. Tourette’s involves multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic over a period of at least a year, with onset before adulthood (before age 18).

The GP can arrange specialist assessment, for example with a paediatrician or neurologist. There is no single test that proves someone has Tourette’s. Tests may sometimes be used to rule out other explanations.

Before your appointment:

Note when the movements or sounds began.
Describe how they affect sleep, learning, work, friendships or comfort.
Take a brief symptom diary.
A short recording can help if the person is comfortable with it. Avoid repeatedly drawing attention to tics or pressuring someone to perform them.
Mention other symptoms and any medicines being taken.

You do not need to wait a year to ask for help.

Treatment and managing symptoms

Mild tics may not need treatment. When tics interfere with life, a clinician can discuss options.

Behavioural approaches include habit reversal therapy, comprehensive behavioural intervention for tics (CBIT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). A trained therapist helps the person learn skills for managing tics and the urges around them. This is supportive treatment, not punishment.

Medicines may help some people. A doctor should explain possible benefits, side effects and monitoring. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.

There is currently no cure. Tics often improve as children grow older, but some adults continue to need support. Herbs and supplements are not proven cures.

Practical support at home

Ask what helps the person feel comfortable.
Keep routines and bedtime as consistent as possible.
Make space for enjoyable activities and rest.
Avoid repeatedly commenting on tics or demanding that they stop.
Do not treat involuntary tics as bad behaviour.

Some people can hold tics back briefly. This does not mean they can always control them.

Help at school, college and work

Arrange a discussion with the teacher, SENCO or other learning support contact. Include the young person in decisions about what information is shared.

Helpful arrangements may include agreed breaks, a quiet space, flexibility with tasks, and discussing suitable exam access arrangements. Explain which symptoms are involuntary. Address bullying promptly and keep a record of agreed support. Ask Tourettes Action for education resources and guidance.

At work, discuss the difficulties you face and what changes would help. Tourettes Action also provides employment information. Support needs differ from person to person.

When to seek medical help

Contact a GP if tics are becoming more frequent, cause pain or injury, interfere with everyday activities, or lead to bullying, isolation or emotional distress. New or unusual movements also need assessment rather than an assumed diagnosis.

Trusted UK information and support

NHS: Tourette syndrome NHS: Tics Tourettes Action Tourettes Action helpdesk Support in education Getting diagnosed

Tourettes Action offers information, resources and access to support networks. Its helpdesk does not diagnose conditions or advise on medication.

This page provides general information. A GP or specialist can advise on individual symptoms and treatment.