The impact of recurrent Covid-19 waves on patients with Functional Movement Disorders: A follow-up study

Sandri, Angela; Vico, Ilaria Antonella Di; Riello, Marianna; Marotta, Angela; Tinazzi, Michèle

doi:10.1016/j.prdoa.2022.100139

Cited by 10 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…At the same time, the link between anxiety and FMD may be more complex. Data also coming from Italy show that the rise in anxiety and depressive symptoms among FMD patients did not persist during the following waves [10], possibly due to a diversion of their attention from self-monitoring towards external aspects and reduced exposure to socially distressing factors (i.e. a paradoxical ‘beneficial’ consequence of social isolation).…”

Section: How Can We Explain This Recent Surge In Functional Tic-like ...mentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) should be offered to all FTLB patients because of its proven efficacy and safety in FND [1,33]. More specifically for tic-like behaviours, Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) could be beneficial [10,13 ▪▪ ], with a particular focus on the functional behavioural assessment and intervention module, rather than on habit reversal therapy. Since CBT can be difficult to access, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and self-guided CBT can be useful.…”

Section: Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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: How Can We Explain This Recent Surge In Functional Tic-like ...mentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Treatmentmentioning

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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“…There has been an overall increase in new FMD presenting to neurology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 10 ). Despite this increase, individuals with preexisting FMD did not show significant variability or worsening of their symptoms during the pandemic ( 133 ). However, up to two-thirds of parents or individuals reported worsening of CTD symptoms ( 134 , 135 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Rise of Functional Tic-Like Behaviors: What Do the COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Media Have to Do With It? A Narrative Review

Martindale

Mink

2022

Front. Pediatr.

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BackgroundThere has been a rise in explosive onset of tic-like behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, this is an uncommon phenomenology of functional movement disorders across all ages. Both the psychological burden of the pandemic and social media usage have been implicated in the rise of these tic-like behaviors.MethodsThis paper provides a narrative review of the literature on chronic tic disorders, functional tics, and mass functional illness with particular focus on the key distinguishing features, role of social media, and the role of COVID-19.ResultsThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the mental health of many individuals, including children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Implementation of lockdowns, lifestyle disruptions, school closures, and social distancing have driven a surge in social media and digital technology use. The combination of predisposing factors, the psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, and social media are implicated in the rise and spread of tic-like behaviors; which may represent a modern-day form of mass functional illness. While many of the features overlap with functional tics, there are emerging distinctive features that are important to recognize. A more encompassing term, Functional Tic-Like Behaviors, is used to better reflect multiple contributing factors.ConclusionKnowledge of these differences is essential to mitigate downstream health effects and poor outcomes.

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“…Forty-one percent reported past physical or psychological trauma and a similar percentage reported depression. However, this is not a universal experience and an Italian study demonstrated stability of self-reported motor and nonmotor symptoms in patients with functional movement disorders during pandemic restriction periods [72].…”

Section: Covid-19 and Other Movement Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Movement disorders in COVID-19 times: impact on care in movement disorders and Parkinson disease

Poonja

2022

Current Opinion in Neurology

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Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to outline the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on movement disorder holistic care, particularly in the care of people with Parkinson disease (PWP). Recent findingsAs the pandemic unfolds, a flurry of literature was published regarding the impact of COVID-19 on people with Parkinson disease including the direct impact of infection, availability of ambulatory care, loss of community-based team care, and acceptability of telemedicine. SummaryCOVID-19 has impacted the care of PWP in numerous ways. Recognizing infection in PWP poses challenges. Specific long-term complications, including emerging reports of long COVID syndrome is a growing concern. Caregivers and PWP have also been impacted by COVID-19 social isolation restrictions, with radical changes to the structure of social networks and support systems globally. In a matter of weeks, the global community saw an incredible uptake in telemedicine, which brought benefits and pitfalls. As PWP adapted to virtual platforms and the changing architecture of care delivery, the pandemic amplified many preexisting inequities amongst populations and countries, exposing a new 'digital divide'.

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The impact of recurrent Covid-19 waves on patients with Functional Movement Disorders: A follow-up study

Cited by 10 publications

References 12 publications

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

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

The Rise of Functional Tic-Like Behaviors: What Do the COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Media Have to Do With It? A Narrative Review

Movement disorders in COVID-19 times: impact on care in movement disorders and Parkinson disease

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