Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics, which is often accompanied with behavioral changes. The international database of TS was founded in 1992 and it involves 3500 patients from 22 countries (Freeman et al. 2000). Since 2001, the Movement Disorders Center in Prague has participated in the project. Czech translation of the original form has been used. The patients were diagnosed according to the criteria of Tourette Syndrome Study Group. Until April 2002, 50 individuals (36 males and 14 females) were included. Average age of patients was 21.9 years (from 9 to 76). Average age at the tic onset was 7.6 years (2 to 19). The age at diagnosis was 16.2 years (5–50), the average time since the onset of the first symptoms to diagnosis assessment was 8.5 years (0 to 40). Family history was positive in 21 cases (42% of patients). 5 patients (12%) reported abrupt onset or upsurge after an infection. 15 patients (30%) suffered from prenatal or perinatal problems. 41 patients (82%) used medication for tics. 8 patients (16%) had no other probleme excluding tics. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder occurred in 17 patients (34%), obsessive-compulsive disorder in 11 (22%) and self-injurious behavior in 8 (16%). Our findings do not substantially differ from those in the original survey.The drawn data provide valuable information on the clinical characteristics of TS and thay can serve as a source for further genetic, clinical or pharmacological studies.

        Key words: Tourette syndrome, tic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit