When it comes to medicine, it has been time and again proven that women bodies have been studied way less. This is why, even after science being this advance, has often lacked on how women's bodies react to different illness and their cures. It is the same in the case of Tourette syndrome. As per a study published in Neurology, there is an existing gender gap in diagnosing Tourette syndrome (TS). Researchers have also found that women are not only less likely to be diagnosed with TS, but also experience longer delays in receiving a diagnosis. These findings, led by Dr. Marisela Elizabeth Dy-Hollins of Massachusetts General Hospital, highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and early screening of TS in females.What Is Tourette Syndrome?Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and sounds, known as tics. These can include simple actions like blinking or throat clearing, as well as more complex behaviors such as jumping or repeating words. Tics must persist for at least a year for a diagnosis of TS or persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, where only movement or vocal tics are present.Although TS is diagnosed about three times more often in males than females, the study suggests that this gap may not purely reflect biological differences. Instead, it may indicate that females are being underdiagnosed or diagnosed later due to differences in symptom presentation or societal biases.Key Findings of the StudyAnalyzing data from 2,109 people with TS and 294 with persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, the study revealed several important gender differences:Diagnosis Rates: Only 61% of female participants had received a TS diagnosis before participating in the study, compared to 77% of males.Delayed Diagnosis: On average, it took three years from symptom onset for females to be diagnosed, compared to two years for males.Age at Diagnosis: Girls were typically diagnosed at an average age of 13, while boys were diagnosed around age 11.Symptom Onset: Female participants showed slightly later onset of TS symptoms, around 6.5 years old compared to 6 years for males. However, for persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, symptoms actually appeared earlier in females (7.9 years) than males (8.9 years).A limitation noted by researchers is that most participants were white, which may affect how broadly the findings can be applied across other racial and ethnic groups.Why Early Diagnosis Matters"These results suggest that healthcare professionals and parents should actively screen female individuals with tics to give them a better chance of managing symptoms over time," Dr. Dy-Hollins emphasized. Treatment strategies can vary and include:Education: Teaching families, teachers, and patients about TS to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking.Behavioral Therapies: Approaches like Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) can significantly help in managing symptoms.Medications: In severe cases, medicines such as antipsychotics or muscle relaxants may be prescribed.Watchful Waiting: Mild tics sometimes lessen over time without the need for intensive intervention.Emotional Support: Addressing the psychological impact of TS is crucial for better overall well-being.Closing the Gender GapResearchers believe differences in how tics present in girls and societal expectations may contribute to the delayed or missed diagnoses. Dr. Dy-Hollins stressed the importance of further research, particularly studies involving more diverse populations. Raising awareness and ensuring equitable healthcare practices are vital to better support all individuals living with Tourette syndrome.