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A new study published in Neurology has uncovered significant gender-based differences in the diagnosis and progression of Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by involuntary tics. The study, led by Dr. Marisela Elizabeth Dy-Hollins of Massachusetts General Hospital, suggests that females with Tourette syndrome are diagnosed later and less frequently than their male counterparts, raising concerns about potential delays in care.
Tourette syndrome is characterized by sudden, repetitive movements and sounds that are difficult to control. It is diagnosed three times more often in males than females, and this new research delves into why females are underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The study analyzed a dataset of 2,109 individuals with Tourette syndrome and 294 with persistent motor or vocal tic disorders, as well as their family members. Researchers found that 61% of female participants had received a Tourette diagnosis, compared to 77% of male participants. This translates to females being 54% less likely to be diagnosed despite having the same condition. Moreover, it took females, on average, a year longer to receive a diagnosis—three years from the onset of symptoms, compared to just two years for males.
Females were also diagnosed at a later age, with an average diagnosis age of 13, compared to 11 for males. Additionally, female participants were slightly older when their tic symptoms first appeared, with an average age of 6.5 years, while males had an average symptom onset at age 6.
Interestingly, when it came to persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, female participants began experiencing symptoms earlier (at 7.9 years on average) than their male counterparts (8.9 years).
Dr. Dy-Hollins urges healthcare professionals and parents to pay closer attention to females exhibiting tic behaviors, as early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effective management. “Treatment options include education, behavioral therapies, medication, and watchful waiting,” she said. “Tics often improve with time, but proper care is essential to giving individuals the best chance of managing their condition.”
However, the study’s limitations include its demographic focus, as the participants were predominantly white, suggesting that the results may not fully represent other racial or ethnic groups. Dr. Dy-Hollins emphasized the need for further research to better understand these gender disparities, particularly within diverse populations.
The findings shed light on the overlooked nuances in Tourette syndrome diagnosis, calling for more awareness and a tailored approach to treatment across genders.
Source: Neurology, 2025
