It is widely known that tics are more frequent in males, but it is not certain whether tics and other disorders that accompany them are the same in males and females. In this study, more than 2000 people with different tic disorders , including Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder, were included. Researchers wanted to find out whether clinical measures differed in males and females with tics. Researchers have found that women had overall less chances to be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Females with Tourette syndrome also had lower severity of tics in comparison to males. The researchers also determined that symptoms started later and, therefore, diagnosis was received later in women with Tourette syndrome. In consequence, females experienced much longer time between onset of symptoms and receiving the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. Women with another type of tic disorder called chronic tic disorder had earlier age at symptom onset in comparison to males. The diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was seen in more females with tics while ADHD was more frequently diagnosed in males with tic disorders. Taken together, it seems that males and females with tics differ and females are often diagnosed later. It is important to be aware of these differences when planning appropriate care.
Summary of: Dy-Hollins, M. E., Chibnik, L. B., Tracy, N. A., Osiecki, L., Budman, C. L., Cath, D. C., Grados, M. A., King, R. A., Lyon, G. J., Rouleau, G. A., Sandor, P., Singer, H. S., Sharma, N., Mathews, C. A., & Scharf, J. M. (2025). Sex Differences in Natural History and Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Tic Disorders. Neurology, 104(3).
