It's no secret to anyone that talented popstar Amy Winehouse suffered a variety of mental illnesses in the last few years of life, caused undoubtedly by the multitude of drugs and alcohol that she voraciously consumed, as well as the pain and suffocation caused by being internationally famous and a total press magnet. But her mother Janis has recently revealed that she may also have been a victim of Tourette Syndrome.

Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse struggled with more than one illness in her final years

Janis Winehouse-Collins is set to publish her book based on the inner vulnerabilities of her late daughter, who died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27 on July 23rd 2011. Entitled 'Loving Amy: A Mother's Story', the book will explore the side not often seen by fans or the press during her career as well as an in depth look at the various of illnesses she suffered in the months leading up to her death; a tragedy that ironically came after several weeks of sobriety. 

More: Read our review of 'Amy'

She was known as Hurricane Amy since she was a little girl for her vibrant attitude, rebellious streak and attention-grabbing antics that weren't always adorable, but Amy's mother suggests that she may have even developed Tourette's while growing up in North London. 'She could well have been almost Tourette's, where she would just shout things out', Janis told People in an interview. 'We just do not know.'

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary physical and vocal tics - stereotypically, it's seen as involuntary swearing, but sufferers may shout out any (or no) random words or phrases during a tic. Despite Janis' suspicions, there's no obvious evidence that Amy had anything of the sort; more than likely, she just had an outspoken, lively and hyperactive personality that few people will ever forget.

'Loving Amy: A Mother's Story' will be released tomorrow (January 8th 2016).