- F95
- Childhood & Adolescent Disorders
Tic Disorders (F95)
DSM-5-TR: Tic Disorders (Tourette Disorder)
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
- ICD-10 RangeF90-F98
- Subcodes5 subcodes
- Australian PrevalenceTic disorders affect approximately 6-12% of school-age children. Tourette syndrome prevalence approximately 0.3-1%. Male-to-female ratio approximately 3:1.
- Global PrevalenceTransient tics occur in up to 20% of children. Tourette syndrome prevalence approximately 0.3-1% of school-age children worldwide.
- Duration RequirementTransient tic disorder (F95.0): less than 12 months. Chronic tic disorder (F95.1) and Tourette syndrome (F95.2): more than 12 months.
Overview
Tic disorders involve involuntary, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movements or vocalisations. They are classified by type (motor, vocal, or both) and duration (transient or chronic). Tourette syndrome requires both motor and vocal tics persisting for more than one year.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Involuntary, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movements or vocalisations
- Tics are sudden, rapid, and purposeless
- Can be temporarily suppressed by voluntary effort
- Exacerbated by stress and diminished during absorbing activities
Duration Transient tic disorder (F95.0): less than 12 months. Chronic tic disorder (F95.1) and Tourette syndrome (F95.2): more than 12 months.
Severity Specifiers
- Transient (F95.0): <12 months
- Chronic motor or vocal (F95.1): >12 months, single type
- Tourette syndrome (F95.2): multiple motor + vocal tics, >12 months
Exclusion Criteria
- Tics due to medication or medical condition
- Stereotyped movement disorders (F98.4)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F95.0 | Transient tic disorder | Single or multiple motor and/or vocal tics lasting no longer than 12 months. |
| F95.1 | Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder | Motor or vocal tics (but not both) persisting for more than 12 months. |
| F95.2 | Combined vocal and multiple motor tic disorder (Tourette syndrome) | Multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics present at some point during the disorder, persisting for more than one year. |
| F95.8 | Other tic disorders | Other specified tic presentations. |
| F95.9 | Tic disorder, unspecified | Tic disorder where the specific type is unspecified. |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Transient tic disorder
- Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder
- Tourette syndrome
- Combined vocal and multiple motor tic disorder
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Tics due to drugs or medical conditions
Australian Clinical Context
Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome in Australia are managed by paediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and psychologists. The Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia provides support and advocacy. Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is the recommended first-line treatment.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
10 individual + 10 group sessions per calendar year
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
Severe tic disorders (e.g. Tourette syndrome) may also benefit from specialist neurology or psychiatry referral.
Grounded Scribe suggests the right MBS item codes from your recording so you can claim accurately without re-keying.
Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
Tic disorders commonly co-occur with ADHD and OCD. DSM-5-TR reclassified F95.2 as "Tourette's Disorder." Document tic types (motor/vocal), location, frequency, severity, and impact on functioning. Tics typically peak in severity around age 10-12 and often improve in adolescence.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Tic Disorders (F95).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tics always persist into adulthood?
No. About one-third to two-thirds of children with tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome, show significant improvement or remission by adulthood. Tics tend to peak around ages 10-12 and often decrease in severity during adolescence.
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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