November 15, 2021

The recent rise in tic-like behaviors among teens points to an unknown side of mental health that shows that symptoms of mental disorders can sometimes be social.

Tourette’s syndrome, a type of tic disorder, is considered a disorder of the nervous system that causes people to have tics such as sudden twitches, movements or unwanted sounds.

According to experts, the tics, although the problem began during the pandemic, are by-products of anxiety, depression and even traumatic stress, and many of their symptoms have social components.

Instead of blaming TikTok for these tic-like symptoms, experts believe the affected teens already have them and the symptoms made them visible in the first place.

In terms of the treatment they will receive, just like those who have genuine tic disorders, teens who exhibit tic-like symptoms will undergo extensive behavioural interventions to treat their tics to manage their symptoms.

For more information, read the original story in The Verge.