Recent Advances in Understanding Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders and Functional Tics

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Background

Although tics are most commonly associated with Tourette syndrome, the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and ICD-11 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) also recognize that tics appear as symptoms of other diagnoses, including an unspecified tic disorder amongst others. Furthermore, while tics and functional tic-like movements both appear repetitive and without appropriate context embedment they can co-exist. Historically, there have been many attempts to separate the two types of movements, but because of their phenomenological overlap, clinical distinction may be prone to error, and misdiagnoses may often occur. Tics can also indicate the presence of atypical neurodevelopment or broader difficulties with cognition or mood. For example, only 10-15% of individuals with TS present exclusively with a tic disorder, with many also having co-morbid conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive behaviors or disorder (OCD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatricians and child mental health practitioners have noticed an increase in tic symptoms in some children and adolescents already diagnosed with tic disorders. Clinicians have also seen a marked increase in presentations of sudden and new onset of severe tics and ‘tic-like’ attacks. However, many misconceptions exist surrounding the source of these tics including the debate regarding t the role or influence of various social media platforms.

The goal of this Research Topic is to present new and exciting research that addresses the most recent advances in our knowledge surrounding tic disorders. This may be addressing our understanding of the reasons some tics persist. It may include differences in our understanding of Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and/or functional tic-like movements. An update to methods in diagnosis and/or treatment or even differences in the development (adolescent to adulthood). Review articles synthesizing recent literature in this field are also highly desirable, and particularly if they focus on diagnoses and or treatment. We are interested in original research articles, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews in any of these areas:

• Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, functional tics
• Tics and underlying comorbidities
• Development of tics and/or factors that influence the expression and maintenance of tics
• Diagnosis and Treatment considerations

Keywords: Tics, Tourettes, Functional Movement Disorders, Diagnosis, Treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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