TikTok Tourette's: Are We Witnessing a Rise in Functional Tic-Like Behavior Driven by Adolescent Social Media Use?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Social media significantly influences perceptions of Tourette syndrome (TS) and tic disorders.
• The COVID-19 pandemic saw increased social media use among adolescents.
• Concurrent increases in tic severity and functional tic-like behavior (FTLB) have been observed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between social media content and the rise in functional tic-like behaviors (FTLB).
• To characterize the features of newly presenting FTLB cases.
• To explore contributing factors to the surge in FTLBs during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Review of newly presenting cases of functional tic-like behavior (FTLB).
• Analysis of characteristics of affected individuals and their tic presentations.
• Consideration of social media trends and pandemic-related factors.

Main Results:

• FTLB cases show a higher proportion of females, low history of childhood/family tics, and acute onset in teenage years.
• FTLB tic quality often mirrors social media portrayals, with increased coprophenomena and trunk/extremity involvement.
• FTLB is likely a subgroup of functional tics influenced by social media, compounded by pandemic-related anxiety and isolation.

Conclusions:

• Social media's portrayal of tics significantly contributes to the rise in functional tic-like behaviors (FTLB).
• Increased anxiety, isolation, and general social media use during the pandemic are also contributing factors.
• Clinicians must educate patients on discerning medical information online for better diagnosis and treatment outcomes.