Fieldwork in schools: a model for alternative settings

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is characterized by (a) onset usually in childhood and adolescence between 2 and 15 years of age, (b) violent facial tics and coprolalia, (c) increased excitability and apathy, (d) progressive increase in the intensity of symptoms, and (e) a chronic course. The syndrome is three times more common in males than in females. It is no longer considered the rarity it used to be, with a reported frequency of 1 to 5 per 10,000 population in western countries. This paper is the first report of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in Papua New Guinea. The family history method and the family study method were used for this study after the index patient had been identified. The case report is presented with a diagram of the pedigree of the extended family of the index patient. A total of four cases of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome were reported in three generations of the extended family. In conclusion, further clinical and genetic research (including twin studies) into Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is recommended in Papua New Guinea.