This page provides guidance on strengths and challenges for healthcare professionals with Tourette Syndrome (also known as Tourette's.)

Tourette’s Syndrome is defined by the presence of both motor and vocal tics, lasting more than a year.

Tics can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate depending on stress, fatigue, or environment.

Around 1% of school-age children have Tourette’s, with many continuing into adulthood (Tourette’s Action, NHS).

• Resilience and determination
• Creativity and strong problem-solving skills
• Empathy and insight into patient experiences
• Often strong verbal or physical skills despite tics

• Communication: vocal tics may interrupt speech or patient interactions.
• Practical skills: motor tics may temporarily interfere with procedures requiring fine control.
• Fatigue and stress: tics often worsen with stress, which can affect performance in busy wards.
• Stigma: misunderstanding of the condition can lead to discrimination or reduced confidence.

• Tourette’s is diagnosed more often in males than females.
• Males tend to present earlier with more visible motor and vocal tics.
• Females may present with subtler or less stereotypical tics, leading to underdiagnosis.
• Women with Tourette’s may experience higher rates of associated anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviours.