2. What are the Symptoms?

Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome is characterized by multiform, frequently changing motor and phonic tics. Tics can be defined as involuntary, rapid, repetitive, and stereotyped movements of individual muscle groups. Individuals feel a compulsive need to perform a tic which can be embarrassing and even painful. Although they are said to be involuntary, affected individuals have some control over these tics but this often leads to a bout of tics with increased severity. On many occasions the symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome increase during periods of stress and anxiety.