CBIT Therapy is now available throughout NY, MA, NH, VT, and ME
TikTok Tics
CBIT Therapy is a leader in the management of a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) commonly referred to as TikTok Tics. This condition includes a sudden onset of alarming tic-like behaviors in response to anxiety, depression, isolation, and often misleading social media related to Tourette Syndrome.
CBIT and TikTok Tics
TikTok Tics are a sudden onset of multiple tic-like behaviors, sometimes accompanied by disabling symptoms such as hand tremors and paralysis of the legs. This disorder is thought to be a physical response to extreme emotional distress brought on by the pandemic and binge-watching social media influencers with erroneous content related to tics and Tourette Syndrome. In the United States, this serious condition occurs almost exclusively in middle to upper-class white girls and non-binary youth. Many of the children and teens have a documented history of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and / or "Asperger's." Most are highly empathetic, high achievers, creative and articulate, but immature in relation to their peers. Many recently also came out to their parents in regards to sexual identity.
People who develop TikTok Tics often report having viewed a massive number of "tic" videos prior to becoming ill. Oftentimes this social media use is kept hidden from parents, although there is tremendous outreach to others online with similar symptoms and who follow the same influencer. Some of these girls and non-binary youth will decorate their rooms somewhat similarly and have tic-like behaviors much like those viewed in the videos. Common behaviors include head jerks, Iip popping, tongue clicking, whistles, hitting their head or chest, saying words that are out of context (such as a canned food,) dropping items, throwing objects, excessive blinking and more. These behaviors can go on for months or even years.
TikTok Tics are a Functional Motor Disorder, which is a form of a Functional Neurological Disorder, also known as FND. This means that the symptoms are real but tend to be much more closely related to a mental health concern than a neurological cause. So, even though the videos may not be truthfully portraying what tics are, those with TikTok Tics are not faking. Patients benefit from finding ways to decrease anxiety and isolation and need help reducing time on social media. It is especially important to unsubscribe from all social media with tic related content. It is also very helpful to address concerns related to the pandemic and the many stresses and losses it has caused.
Picking up tics and other physical behaviors happens somewhat often. It is not uncommon to see a room full of people yawn around the same time or for someone to feel itchy when someone else scratches their arm. There are also reports of cheerleading squads and football teams having very similar stomach aches and other ailments. One of the most well known cases of tic-like behaviors seeming to be contagious was in Le Roy, NY in 2011. Multiple girls as well as one boy and a middle aged woman had a sudden onset of tic-like behaviors. When major news networks and talk shows began covering the situation, the symptoms became noticeably worse. As attention faded away, and there was assurance that there was no underlying medical cause or environmental threat, the patients soon recovered.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) has been found to be the most effective therapeutic treatment for TikTok Tics. CBIT Therapy is an occupational therapy practice that utilizes video calls to treat patients in their homes, where most of the social media is consumed and stressors and supports can be identified. We train patients how to stop disruptive motor and vocal activity by doing a blocking technique successful with traditional forms of tics.
Teenager using a CBIT strategy called a competing response to prevent an arm tic.
Social media Concerns
According to Statista Digital Economy Compass, the 2021 global average daily time spent on social media per internet user is 142 minutes. Algorithms control much of what is being seen and causes users to be flooded with messages that normalize serious health concerns. Take charge by deleting social media accounts, cancelling alerts, setting screen time limits, and finding something more hands on and productive to do with your time. Social media has some benefits, but over use and misuse is associated with greater isolation, depression, jealousy, anger, anxiety, and other emotional and physical concerns.
In 2020 the Calgary Tic Disorders Clinical Registry referred to TikTok Tics as Functional Tic-Like Behaviors (FTLBs) and is tracking the trend closely. The condition, which is related to both extreme anxiety and exposure to erroneous tic content is extremely disabling and even life threatening. Misdiagnosis leads to further complications related to medications and recovery.
Parasocial relationships
TikTok Tics and Parasocial Relationships
TikTok Tics is possibly associated with a psychological condition called a parasocial relationship
Binge-watching videos created by an engaging social media influencer can lead to a false sense of knowing them and the belief that they are your friend. This fascination with the influencer may be due to social isolation and loneliness. The bond occurs even though the relationship is entirely one-sided and will always be that way. The influencer does not watch videos made by you or know anything at all about you, even though she may share intimate and sometimes embarrassing details about her life. You may also feel like part of the influencer's family or friendship group if they are also introduced in some of the videos.
Some people in parasocial relationships may adopt their influencers fashion, hairstyle, beliefs, room decorations, and even what seems like a disabling condition. Others may be tempted to support their influencer financially by donating money to help them continue turning out more videos.
Fake tics
I have real tics, she's clearly just faking it...
On 10/03/07, South Park released Le Petit Tourette, shaming those who fake tics and Tourette Syndrome. You can watch the full episode here. The writers touched on many important (and sometime adult-oriented) topics. People with TikTok Tics are not faking it, even though they may be following people on social media who are.
CBIT Therapy
CBIT Therapy is part of Online OTs LLC and collaborates with clinicians at UMass, MGH, Boston Children's Hospital, and many practices throughout NY, MA, NH, ME, and VT. A HIPPA compliant Google Suite platform is used for video calls. Allways Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and private pay are accepted. Mass Health recipients are eligible for limited financial assistance.
Please FAX referrals to 857-202-5085. Thank you!