More and more public figures are finding the courage to openly discuss their health issues, helping to destigmatize many conditions. Recently, British singer Robbie Williams joined their ranks. At 51, he has, for the first time, shared with the world that he has been living with Tourette’s syndrome for a long time, something he had previously kept secret.
The artist described his condition as ‘obsessive.’ His struggle is mainly internal, manifesting as intense thoughts that lack a physical outlet. According to Williams, these mental outbursts are so powerful that not even the roar of a stadium crowd during a concert can drown them out. The singer has also been diagnosed with ADHD, and although his autism test was negative, it revealed some autistic traits. He admitted that he feels anxious every time he leaves his comfort zone—the safety of his own bed.
Robbie Williams is not the only celebrity to face this disorder. Scottish musician Lewis Capaldi was forced to pause his world tour due to worsening symptoms. American singer Billie Eilish, who was diagnosed as a child, describes her physical tics as constant and exhausting, though they are not always visible to others.
What exactly is Tourette syndrome? It is a neurological disorder that typically begins in childhood, most often around the age of seven, and almost always before age 21. Its main feature is the presence of tics, meaning involuntary, rapid, and repetitive movements or sounds. Tics are divided into motor tics—sudden movements such as blinking, facial grimacing, or limb jerking—and vocal tics, which range from coughing and throat clearing to involuntary vocalizations.
Contrary to common stereotypes, the shouting of obscene words (coprolalia) is actually quite rare, occurring in only about 10–15% of patients. However, the syndrome often occurs alongside other conditions. Approximately a third or even forty percent of people with Tourette’s also experience attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as impulsivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and learning difficulties.
The exact causes of this condition are still unknown, but scientists are confident that genetics and heredity play a significant role. Men are 3–4 times more likely to be affected by this syndrome than women. External factors, such as severe stress, do not cause the disorder, but can significantly worsen its symptoms. The type and intensity of symptoms can change over time; often, improvement occurs during adolescence, and some adults experience complete remission.
The emotional consequences can be very serious. Since tics cannot be controlled by willpower, a person may face misunderstanding and ridicule from others, which can severely affect self-esteem. That is why personalized medical care is extremely important. This may include psychological support and, in some cases, medication to control tics that interfere with daily life.
The prognosis is favorable in most cases. There are specialized behavioral therapies that help patients learn to better control or reduce the severity of symptoms. Ongoing monitoring by specialists is essential for tracking progress and timely detection of associated disorders.
