Recurrent mass hysteria in schoolchildren in Western Nepal

Poudel, Rajesh; Aich, Tapas Kumar; Bhandary, Krishma; Thapa, Dipendra; Giri, Rajesh

doi:10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_571_19

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

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“…It is, however, unlikely that social media act as a standalone precipitant of this phenomenon. Predisposing factors including lifetime traumatic events, preexisting social anxiety and depressive symptoms have been demonstrated as highly relevant in the genesis of functional disorders [54], whereas social media diffusion of specific stimuli might act as a catalyst of global spread for these symptoms [55].…”

Section: Andandmentioning

confidence: 99%

The recent surge of functional movement disorders: social distress or greater awareness?

Pringsheim

Martino

2022

Current Opinion in Neurology

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Purpose of reviewTo analyze the interrelated factors that have led to the striking increase in functional movement disorders in recent years, with a focus on functional tic-like behaviours (FTLB).Recent findingsThe sudden onset of FTLB has been widely observed in several countries since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, whereas it was previously very rarely reported. Pandemic-related FTLB typically occur in young females, share complex, disabling and tic-lookalike patterns, and are usually triggered by the exposure to videos portraying tic-like behaviours on social media. Both pandemic-related FTLB and prepandemic FTLB are associated with high levels of depression and anxiety. FTLB related to the pandemic highlight the role of social media in the psychopathological behaviours of our time.SummaryWe suggest FTLB are due to a combination of predisposing factors (high genetic and epigenetic risk for anxiety and depression, negative past experiences) and precipitating factors (pandemic and its impact on mental health, exposure to certain social media content). These factors of vulnerability may increase the risk of developing behavioural and emotional problems in youth, such as FTLB. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of psychiatric comorbidities seem to be predictors of positive prognosis.

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Section: Andandmentioning

confidence: 99%

The recent surge of functional movement disorders: social distress or greater awareness?

Pringsheim

Martino

2022

Current Opinion in Neurology

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TikTok Tics: A Pandemic Within a Pandemic

Olvera

Stebbins

Goetz

et al. 2021

Movement Disord Clin Pract

111

106

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Background TikTok is a social media platform where users create and share videos. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the use of this site greatly expanded. Tic and Tourette syndrome content also increased dramatically along with the number of patients with tics in neurology clinics. Objectives We compared the phenomenology of “TikTok tics” to typical tic disorders. We chose to analyze the most widely viewed videos and therefore focused on the most popular content creators. Methods Videos with the keywords “tic,” “Tourette,” or “tourettes” were reviewed to identify content creators between March 11, 2020 and March 30, 2021. We performed a quantitative assessment of TikTok tics as well as a descriptive analysis of the entire series of videos of each content creator. Results The mean age of the cohort was 18.8 years old, and the majority were women. Unlike the predominance of facial movements in typical tics, arm movements were most frequent. Average tics per minute was 29, and almost all recorded TikTok tics were severe, causing significant disability. Whereas coprolalia and self‐injurious behavior are only infrequently encountered in typical tic disorders, they were present in the overwhelming majority of TikTok subjects. Conclusions TikTok tics are distinct from what is typically seen in patients with Tourette syndrome, although share many characteristics with functional tics. We believe this to be an example of mass sociogenic illness, which involves behaviors, emotions, or conditions spreading spontaneously through a group. A modern clinician needs to remain abreast of social media sources as knowledge of media content is essential in managing patients in the current environment.

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