A call for caution: 'stop that' sentiments threaten tic research, healthcare and advocacy

Recent reports from Tourette Syndrome (TS) multiple clinical researcher groups in North America and Europe describe a recent increase in young patients presenting to TS clinics. Reported commonalities include a female preponderance, older age of first detected symptoms, complex behaviors, significant functional impairment, and similarities to behaviors recorded in popular videos on social media platforms, notably TikTok. Müller-Vahl, Pisarenko, Jakubovski, and Fremer (2021) jumped to the conclusion that this phenomenon is a “Mass Sociogenic Illness,” which we contend is not just premature but contrary to the current state of the evidence. This is a pressing matter of concern as their position is potentially harmful to patients and may hinder scientific and therapeutic progress. In the current response, we articulate scientific and ethical concerns about the Müller-Vahl et al. paper and advocate for a person-centered approach to supporting patients and studying this phenomenon.