Bafta-Winning Film 'I Swear' Highlights Tourette Syndrome Awareness
The 2026 Bafta film awards witnessed a poignant moment when British actor Robert Aramayo secured the best actor award for his portrayal of John Davidson, a Tourette Syndrome campaigner, in the biographical drama I Swear. Set in 1980s Galashiels within the Scottish Borders, the film chronicles Davidson's journey from developing the neurological disorder at age twelve to becoming an advocate for greater awareness. Aramayo also claimed the EE Rising Star award, while the production earned the best casting accolade during the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall.
However, the broadcast was marred by an incident where a racial slur was shouted by an audience member reportedly with Tourette Syndrome as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the special visual effects award, prompting a formal apology from the BBC. Despite the acclaimed film shedding light on Tourette Syndrome, numerous misconceptions persist about this complex condition.
Seven Essential Insights from a Tourette Syndrome Specialist
Dr. Lisa Davies, a consultant psychiatrist and Tourette Syndrome specialist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, outlines seven critical facts she wishes everyone understood about the disorder.
1. Diagnosis Demands Tics Persist for Over a Year
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder diagnosed based on involuntary motor and vocal/phonic tics that must be present for at least twelve months, according to Dr. Davies. This duration is a key diagnostic criterion, distinguishing it from transient tic disorders.
2. Tourette Syndrome Encompasses a Broad Spectrum of Behaviours
Tics can vary from mild actions like blinking or throat clearing to severe manifestations such as coprolalia (uttering inappropriate words) or copropraxia (making offensive gestures). Dr. Davies notes that non-obscene socially inappropriate behaviour (NOSI) can also cause significant difficulties, and some individuals may exhibit self-injurious behaviours where tics lead them to harm themselves.
3. Swearing Is Not Universal in Tourette Syndrome
A prevalent misconception is that all individuals with TS swear or use socially inappropriate language. Coprolalia affects only approximately 10-30% of people with TS, as reported by Tourettes Action. Dr. Davies attributes the stigma largely to negative media bias that focuses disproportionately on this symptom, skewing public perception away from the full reality of the condition.
4. Tics Are Involuntary, Though Premonitory Sensations May Occur
Tics are involuntary, but some people experience a 'premonitory sensation' akin to the feeling before a sneeze, such as a tickle or bodily sensation indicating tics are imminent. Dr. Davies emphasises that this does not imply control over the tics, which remain involuntary responses.
5. Suppression Strategies Can Lead to Rebound Effects
Some individuals can suppress their tics temporarily, but this often results in a pressure cooker effect where discomfort builds up. Dr. Davies explains that this can lead to a 'rebound', where tics emerge more explosively and severely afterward. Consequently, finding a safe space to release tics can be beneficial for managing this dynamic.
6. Environmental Triggers Vary Widely Among Individuals
Tics typically wax and wane over time without obvious reasons, but environmental factors play a significant role. Dr. Davies assesses patients by inquiring about what exacerbates or alleviates their tics, noting that triggers differ per person. Common aggravators include stress, tiredness, anxiety, frustration, and hunger, while responses to relaxation or activities like watching TV can vary.
7. Co-occurring Conditions Are Highly Prevalent
Up to 85% of people with TS experience co-occurring conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety, according to Tourettes Action. Dr. Davies stresses that assessments must account for these aspects, as conditions like OCD might impact daily life more significantly than the tics themselves, underscoring the need for comprehensive care approaches.
