Clinical studies report that 30 to 40% of young people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) show manifestations of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, and school phobias. However, it is important to understand that in these young people, anxiety is often less dramatic than it appears, because they express their discomfort and fears with great intensity, in a theatrical manner. It is sometimes mistakenly believed to be an anxiety disorder, when in fact it is a premonitory urge or a compulsion.

The adult’s reaction to the stress expressed by the child can have a positive effect if they succeed in restoring balance between the constant demands and the feeling of anxiety expressed by the young person; otherwise, the outcome may be quite different. A better understanding of Tourette Syndrome by the various stakeholders could help avoid confusion regarding diagnosis and treatment.