Tourette syndrome: impact on Canadian family functioning.

An evaluation of the impact of Tourette Syndrome on the family. Self-report data were gathered from a Canadian sample of over two hundred Tourette Syndrome patients and/or their families regarding the effects of TS on family life. Patients rated the extent to which having TS interfered with the family's day-to-day activities. Also indicated was whether marital difficulties or difficulties with alcohol or drugs arose since the Tourette diagnosis was made. Data were also gathered on the number of TS patients or other family members who sought professional counselling and the extent to which counselling was found helpful.