Hot off the presses is \u201cPrevalence of Tic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,\u201d an article published in the journal Paediatric Neurology by several physicians, including Dr. Tamara Pringshiem.<\/p>\n
Dr. Pringshiem is a member of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada\u2019s Professional Advisory Board. The TSFC community has the chance to hear Dr. Pringshem speak at the upcoming National Conference in October, when she will present on the latest treatment guidelines for TS.<\/p>\n
Dr. Pringshiem\u2019s recent article focuses on the problem of underdiagnosis of TS and other tic disorders. The underdiagnosis of TS is a complex issue. Many people with TS are unaware that they have the condition. One study even puts the percentage of people who do not know they have TS at 30 percent.<\/p>\n
Tics can, and often are, suppressed or disguised in public. Additionally, they often decline with age. On top of that is the problem of people hiding the fact that they have TS because of fear of social stigma. All these factors combined make it extremely difficult to get an accurate estimate of the prevalence of the condition in the Canadian population.<\/p>\n
Rather than relying on one or two studies to establish the current prevalence, Dr. Pringshiem and her colleges examined several different incidence studies in order to obtain the most accurate estimate possible.\u00a0Their main findings were:<\/p>\n
Dr. Pringshiem and her colleagues recommend more studies on the prevalence of TS and other tic disorders. They also argue for the simplification of how we classify tic disorders. Making TS, chronic motor tic disorder, and chronic vocal tic disorder separate and distinct conditions, Pringshem et al. contend, is of \u201cdebatable value\u201d because there are so few differences in the conditions and in how they are treated.<\/p>\n
Perhaps as the TS community is more and more successful at eliminating stigma, more people will feel comfortable being \u201cout\u201d about their condition. As we as a country become more aware of the condition, those who do not know they have TS will come to understand why they do what they do.<\/p>\n
In time, perhaps, new studies may come to better understand the actual prevalence of condition in Canada. For now, we have to make do with only a few studies of the U.S. and Europe and try to remember that the actual prevalence of TS is likely much higher than our best guess.<\/p>\n