Epidemiology of Tourette syndrome.

The objective of this chapter is to provide a clinically useful review of epidemiologic studies of Tourette syndrome (TS). The viewpoint of this chapter is that there are significant challenges to validity in epidemiologic studies of TS and co-occurring conditions but that, nonetheless, understanding this literature has value for clinicians, educators, and healthcare policymakers. The topics covered in the chapter, following background provided in the introduction, are as follows: (1) prevalence estimates, (2) risk factors, and (3) co-occurring conditions.