When It's Not Tics: Functional Tic-Like Behaviors.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Functional tic-like behaviors (FTLBs) are a subtype of functional neurologic disorder.
• An increase in FTLBs was observed in adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, often linked to social media.
• FTLBs can be misdiagnosed as neurodevelopmental tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate FTLBs from neurodevelopmental tic disorders.
• To highlight key clinical features distinguishing FTLBs.
• To inform appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for FTLBs.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observation and case study analysis.
• Comparative analysis of FTLB characteristics against Tourette syndrome.
• Review of patient data from the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Main Results:

• FTLBs typically manifest with an older age of onset compared to Tourette syndrome.
• Symptom onset in FTLBs is more abrupt and characterized by complex tic-like behaviors.
• FTLBs often present with additional features atypical of Tourette syndrome.

Conclusions:

• FTLBs are distinct from neurodevelopmental tic disorders and require specific diagnostic criteria.
• While standard tic disorder treatments are often ineffective, FTLBs show positive response to targeted behavioral therapies.
• Increased awareness and understanding of FTLBs are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.