Tourette syndrome: Diagnosis, strategies, therapies, pathogenesis, and future research directions

Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that persist for more than 1 year. On September 28, 2005, a symposium was held to (1) describe current diagnostic strategies, (2) discuss recent thoughts on pathogenesis, (3) review current therapies and clinical trials, and (4) define future research directions in Tourette syndrome. In her opening remarks, Dr Story Landis, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, emphasized the influence that this conference series has not only on the advancement of research but also on the education of practicing clinicians. Dr Landis also discussed the role of the Institute and the crucial function of volunteer research organizations in funding research to further improve the management of this condition. This article summarizes the presentations and includes the verbatim edited transcript of question and answer sessions.