Tourette’s in Adulthood

This entry aims to explore the nature of tics in adulthood, focusing on how they are characterized, recognized, and, in some cases, seemingly disappear. This entry examines the evidence behind this “disappearing act” considering the interplay of co-occurring conditions, interventions, perceptions, and social and physical adaptability that may mask, obscure, or eliminate tic presentation and its overall impact over time. This entry discusses potential underlying causes and differences between functional and organic tics and demonstrates support for recent proposals that a “tic spectrum disorder” framework may better capture the broad variability in tic symptoms. Given the significant impact tics can have on everyday life and the increased risk from a co-occurring mental health condition, improving our understanding of tic disorders in adulthood is critical. A more nuanced perspective will enhance access to appropriate support and foster a better understanding of the condition among individuals and health-care providers.