Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome
            
             Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, or more simply Tourette's, is a neurological disorder classified on Axis I of the DSM-IV. It is an inherited disease characterized by tics-involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way ("TSF"). Tourette's was first described by pioneering French neurologist, Dr. George Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. This disorder causes uncontrollable physical and/or verbal outbursts, and is often accompanied with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
             Some studies show that Tourette Syndrome affects one in 2,000-2,500 people. However, three times as many people will have some features, usually chronic motor tics or obsessive thoughts (Cramer, 1). Severe forms of Tourette Syndrome occur in approximately four or five of every 10,000 people. It is estimated that 2% of the general population and 200,000 Americans may suffer from the disorder (Bower, 151). Some investigators say that this statistic might even be slightly conservative because those with very mild tics may not seek medical attention. Because of the severity of some symptoms of Tourette's, this syndrome could possibly be the most debilitating of all tic disorders.
             Thought to be a genetically transmitted disorder, Tourette's is identified as an autosomal dominant trait. No specific gene has been identified with the disorder, but researchers have found strong evidence that it is an inherited disease transmitted through one or more genes. From these studies, it is estimated that a parent with Tourette's has a 50% chance of passing the disorder on to their child. Of children that carry the gene for the disorder, 70% of girls and 99% of boys have a chance of displaying Tourette symptoms (Cramer, 1). Because of this, the only way to prevent Tourette's is for a couple not to have children when one of them has the disorder.
             In Tourette Syndro...