The TikTok Tic Epidemic: How Suffolk County Child Therapists Are Treating Social Media-Induced Movement Disorders

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges to children’s mental health, but perhaps none as surprising as the sudden surge in tic-like behaviors among teenagers. Neurologists began seeing increasing numbers of patients, especially teenage girls, with unusual, involuntary movements and vocalizations reminiscent of Tourette syndrome. What made this phenomenon particularly alarming was its rapid spread and striking similarities across different geographic regions.

Understanding the Social Media Connection

Each patient reported watching videos of tics on the social media platform, TikTok, before symptom onset, and each identified one specific female British TikTok personality they had frequently watched. All patients reported exposure to a specific social media personality before symptom onset. This pattern led researchers to identify what they now call “functional tic-like behaviors” (FTLBs) or “TikTok tics” – a condition that differs significantly from traditional Tourette syndrome.

The similarities in tics — especially given patients’ geographic distance — gave doctors their first clue that social media was at the root of the phenomenon. That’s because true Tourette syndrome tics are unique to each person, not so overwhelmingly alike. “When we noticed that we were all seeing similar presentations, that was the first alarm that this is not Tourette’s,” Aldosari says.

Distinguishing Functional Tics from Tourette Syndrome

Child therapists in Suffolk County have learned to identify key differences between social media-induced tics and traditional tic disorders. We describe six teenage girls, each with the explosive onset of tic‐like movements. Mean age of onset was 14.2 years. The presence of features incongruous with Tourette syndrome on history and examination prompted the diagnosis of functional tics.

Unlike typical Tourette syndrome, which is four times more likely in boys than in girls and typically presents between ages 5 and 7, functional tics present with distinct characteristics:

• Sudden, explosive onset rather than gradual development
• Predominantly affecting teenage girls
• Later age of onset (typically after age 12)
• Complex movements and vocalizations from the start
• High frequency of coprolalia (inappropriate language)
• Self-injurious behaviors

Treatment Approaches for Social Media-Induced Tics

The treatment landscape for functional tics differs significantly from traditional tic disorders. “These are called functional tics, a type of functional neurological disorder. Our experience indicates that, similar to other functional neurological disorders, functional tics are best managed with cognitive behavioral therapy.

While people with Tourette syndrome frequently benefit from using medications when behavioral therapy alone is not helpful, Dr. Aldosari says teens with TikTok-induced tics will benefit more from therapy. But with time, care and attention, teens can learn to address and manage their stress — and with it, to address and manage their tics.

Dynamic Counseling LI’s Approach to Child Therapy

For families in Suffolk County dealing with these challenging symptoms, Child Therapy Services Suffolk County providers like Dynamic Counseling LI offer specialized support. Dynamic Counseling LI offers expert child therapy in Suffolk County, NY, for behavior issues, ADHD, and more. From play therapy to specialized ADHD support, we offer various services to address the diverse needs of children and adolescents in Suffolk County, NY.

Our experienced therapists specialize in various evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family and couples therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other disorders, we’re here to offer compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies

Research shows that effective treatment for functional tics involves several key components:

Treatment can be partly based on improving the response to stressors with cognitive-behavioural therapy to develop strategies to better cope with worries, shift attention from the tic-like movements and provide education regarding this condition. This psychoeducation should include the importance of taking a ‘rehabilitation’ approach that involves coping with the tic-like behaviours and optimizing functioning. Considering the possibility of an environmental trigger, another additional aspect to be considered is discontinuing patient exposure to the social media content that induced FTLBs.

“I’ve actually often recommended a social media fast, so getting off Twitch or TikTok for two weeks, and symptoms may improve dramatically,” Dr. Barton said. This approach aligns with Dynamic Counseling LI’s comprehensive treatment philosophy.

The Role of Family Support

Emotional support is crucial for children’s development, and that’s what we focus on at Dynamic Counseling LCSW. We help children understand and manage their emotions healthily, whether they’re adjusting to new situations, feeling anxious, or experiencing sadness. Our therapy sessions offer a safe space where children can share their feelings and learn coping strategies.

N = 11 patients (36.7%) indicated that simply knowing the correct diagnosis was helpful in terms of symptom improvement. This highlights the importance of proper assessment and education for both children and families.

Looking Forward: Prevention and Early Intervention

As Suffolk County child therapists continue to address this emerging phenomenon, prevention strategies focus on digital wellness education. Whether your child has not yet begun using social media or already spends a lot of time on it, have the conversation now about the risks of being online too much — not just tics but everything from self-esteem issues to doomscrolling, from risk-taking to sleep problems. “Do your best to be careful about how you introduce social media, what sites your child uses and who they follow and their overall amount of exposure to social media,” Dr.

At Dynamic Counseling, your well-being is our top priority. We offer flexible scheduling, with appointments available 7 days a week. Please reach out if you’re ready to take the next step towards a brighter tomorrow. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone—let us help you thrive.

Seeking Help in Suffolk County

The TikTok tic epidemic has taught mental health professionals valuable lessons about the power of social media to influence behavior and the importance of specialized treatment approaches. For families in Suffolk County experiencing these challenges, early intervention with qualified child therapists can make a significant difference in outcomes.

A prompt diagnosis and management not only of tics but also comorbidities are recommended, as generally conventional pharmacotherapy for tics does not have positive effects on these patients. Instead, these patients are generally not responsive to conventional anti-tic medications, while they may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapies.

If your child is experiencing sudden-onset tic-like behaviors, especially following social media exposure, don’t wait to seek professional help. The combination of proper diagnosis, family education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social media management can provide effective relief and help your child return to normal functioning.