Tourette's Syndrome: Summary of Data on 34 Patients

Abstract

A review of the data collected on 34 patients with Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome was presented. The data summarized the demography, birth, developmental, and family histories of these patients. The development and characteristics of the symptomatology were described. Psychopathological theories suggested in the literature as etiologically related to Tourette's syndrome were not confirmed. Evidence was presented in support of the hypothesis that the etiology of Tourette's syndrome is an organic impairment of the central nervous system. The difficulties in diagnosis were reviewed and a description of the syndrome was provided. The treatment history with haloperidol of these patients was outlined. Early diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome is important now that an effective treatment is available.