Why does it seem like tourettes syndrome is only around today?

Many mental disorders have existed since the dawn of man, but they were not always seen as such. Things like mental retardation, schizophrenia, and probably Tourette's were seen in the "old days" as curses, evil spirits, and signs of witchcraft and wizardry. Someone with a mental illness was much more likely to be tried for a crime or for casting evil spells than recognized for being impaired. It wasn't until the 20th century that mental illnesses really started to be recognized as that: illnesses, and not faults of the sufferers.