Symptoms of Tourette's disorder (TD) include motor tics (sudden body movements) and vocal tics (sounds and words) that are not under your child's control. Motor and vocal tics can occur many times throughout the day. They can be simple or complex.

• Simple motor tics involve only one muscle group, while complex motor tics can be a combination of many simple motor tics or a series of movements that involve more than one muscle group.
• Simple vocal tics involve simple sounds made by moving air through the nose or mouth. Complex vocal tics involve words, phrases, and sentences.

Many children and adults with TD report feeling some urge or sensation in some part of the body that builds and builds until it is irresistible. This uncomfortable sensation can only be relieved by performing (releasing) the tic. This is known as "premonitory urge." Not everyone with TD is aware of such urges, though. In fact, many children may not even realize that they are having tics. They can be quite surprised when questioned about a tic they are having, such as when someone asks, "Why are you blinking so much?"

The tics are not always obvious. They may come and go over a period of months, change from one type to another, or disappear for no apparent reason. Tics tend to decrease or go away completely during sleep. Your child may suppress tics (much like suppressing a sneeze) or not have any for short periods, such as during a doctor visit, while absorbed in physical activity, or when concentrating on another activity. Sometimes tics last longer and are more severe than usual, such as after your child has tried to resist (suppress) them. They may also get worse when your child is ill, under stress, or excited.

Be aware that not all tics are related to TD; your child may have tics and not develop TD.

A common stereotype of people with TD is that they all have uncontrollable outbursts of cursing or obscene or sexual behavior. These types of complex tics are not required for a diagnosis of TD. Even though these types of tics may seem routine for TD from what you see on TV and in movies, most children and teens with TD do not have these symptoms.

Other myths about Tourette's disorder include a belief that the child can control tics if he or she wants to or that people with TD are trying to get attention.

Children with TD often have other disorders and problems, such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For more information, see the following topics:

Depression in Children and Teens

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Common patterns of Tourette's disorder