Tic disorders of childhood.

Tic disorders may be classified as simple tics, chronic motor tics or Tourette syndrome, the most severe of the three types. Tourette syndrome is rather uncommon and is often misdiagnosed. Tic disorders of childhood probably have an organic etiology and a genetic component. An increased incidence of obsessive-compulsive behavior, attention deficit disorder and other abnormalities have been reported in Tourette patients. Haloperidol is often useful in controlling severe tic symptoms, while stimulant drugs may worsen the symptoms.