The Portrayal of Tourette's Syndrome in Film and Television (P06.041)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the representation of Tourette9s Syndrome (TS) in fictional movies and television programs by investigating recurrent themes and depictions. Background Television and film can be a source of information and misinformation about medical disorders. TS has received attention in the popular media, but no studies have been done on the accuracy of the depiction of the disease. Given this, we sought to analyze the representation of TS in fictional television programs and films. Design/Methods: International internet movie databases were searched using the terms “Tourette9s”, “Tourette9s Syndrome”, and “tics” to generate all movies, shorts, and television programs featuring a character or scene with TS or a person imitating TS. Movies and television programs were excluded if they were nonfiction, or in foreign languages that were not subtitled or dubbed in English. After viewing, movies were further excluded based on relevance. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified the types of characters, tics, and co-morbidities depicted as well as the overall representation of TS. Results: 37 television programs and films were reviewed dating from 1976 to 2010. Fictional movies and television shows gave an overall misrepresentation of TS. Tics depicted had a disproportionate representation on coprolalia. Furthermore, characters were sometimes depicted as having symptoms similar to autism spectrum disorder rather than TS. The role of physicians was portrayed as unsympathetic and only focusing their treatment on medical therapies. Finally, school, family and relationships were nearly always depicted as being negatively impacted by TS, leading to a poor quality of life for characters with TS. Conclusions: Films and television are an easily accessible resource for patients and the public that may influence their beliefs about TS. Physicians should be aware that TS is often inaccurately represented in television programs and film and acknowledge such misrepresentations in order to counsel patients accordingly. Disclosure: Dr. Calder-Sprackman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Doja has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sutherland has nothing to disclose.