Athens 2024 seminar: introduction to Tourette syndrome (TS) for the general public

The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) in collaboration with Tics & Tourette Around the Globe (TTAG) are organising a one-day seminar on Tourette syndrome in Athens, Greece. 

We are aiming at disseminating specialised knowledge, addressing recurrent misconceptions, and accommodating concerns and queries from the audience in a comprehensive manner. 

This event is dedicated to the newly founded patient association, Tourette Greece, which we are certain will mark a shift in raising awareness nationally, and we shall continue to support through our activities. 

All the talks will be held in English. Greek-speaking collaborators will be present and eager to facilitate with the occasional linguistic difficulties. 

When
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 10:00-17:00
(See detailed programme below)
Where
Philippos Hotel, Mitseon 3, Athina 117 42
For whom
General public: parents, family members and people touched by Tourette syndrome.
Healthcare professionals: a round table for discussion with the speakers will be held in the afternoon.
Registration
Attendance is FREE of charge.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
Event capacity
40 Attendees

Kindly note:
• This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
• The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided onsite.
• Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.

Invited speakers
(in alphabetical order)
ESSTS
• Prof Andreas Hartmann, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, FR
Former ESSTS Chair
• Dr Christelle Nilles, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, FR
ESSTS Secretary
TTAG
• Michele Dunlap, Germany
President & Acting Treasurer
• Marla Shea, UK/USA
Secretary
Tourette Greece
• Christina Papakaliatis
Founder 

Seminar programme

10:00 Introduction & welcome
-Tourette Greece
-TTAG
-ESSTS 
10:45 Session I: What is Tourette syndrome? (And what is not.)
Speaker: Andreas Hartmann
• Assessment (including differential diagnosis)
• Natural course and prognosis
• Epidemiology
• Causes & mechanisms
• Q&A
11:45-12:00: Coffee break
12:00-13:00 Session II: Comorbidities, or co-occurring conditions
Speaker: Christelle Nilles
• ADHD  (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
• Learning disabilities
• Mood (anxiety & depression)
• Sleep
• Q&A
13:00-14:00: Lunch break
14:00-15:00 Session III: Treatment
Speaker: Andreas Hartmann, Christelle Nilles
• Available treatments
• Clinical cases
• Comprehensive Q&A with the audience
15:00-17:00 Session IV: Round table
Discussion with local colleagues & healthcare professionals attending the seminar.