The Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a rare and clinically hete
rogenoeus neuropsychiatric disorder seen in worldwide and defined by w
axing and waning simple and complex motor and phonic ties, with a onse
t in childhood (under the age of 21 years) and long-term, and sometime
s life-long course. Ties may also be accompanied by a variety of comor
bid associated behavioural disturbances, such as obsessive-compulsive
disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Evidence from s
everal recent studies suggests that genetic factors are involved in GT
S, but a clear linkage with specific genes has not been found. Dopamin
ergic disturbances have been involved in the pathogenesis of the disor
der since the discovery of remarkable benefits of haloperidol and othe
r dopaminergic antagonists in these patients. However, serotonergic, n
oradrenergic, cholinergic and opioid systems have been also implicated
in the pathogenesis of GTS,ana they could be related with abnormaliti
es in cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortico pathways. Likewise, functional
neuroimaging studies have revealed metabolic abnormalities in the bas
al ganglia and frontotemporal areas.