A controlled study of Tourette syndrome. VII. Summary: a common genetic disorder causing disinhibition of the limbic system

Am J Hum Genet. 1987 Nov;41(5):839-66.

Abstract

Tourette syndrome (TS) is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting man. Approximately one in 100 individuals manifests one or more of the aspects of the TS gene. This series of papers has emphasized that although motor and vocal tics are the hallmark of TS, the complete range of behavioral problems is much broader. This spectrum of behavior can be explained on the basis of the TS gene causing an imbalance of the mesencephalic-mesolimbic dopamine pathways, resulting in disinhibition of the limbic system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Limbic System / physiopathology*
  • Tourette Syndrome / genetics*
  • Tourette Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Tourette Syndrome / psychology