Functional tics are dramatic, involuntary movements or sounds usually made in response to a trigger. While similar to other tic disorders, they have different causes and treatment options.

Functional tics, also called psychogenic tics, are sudden, involuntary physical movements or sounds that are not rhythmic. These movements or sounds are often complex and may interfere with daily life.

They’re part of a condition known as functional tic disorder (FND). They tend to develop suddenly, often in response to psychological stress. This sets functional tics apart from organic tics, which occur as a symptom of an underlying condition, such as Tourette syndrome.

Since 2020, there has been a global increase in the recording of functional tic-like behaviors. Research suggests this increase is seen more often in teenage girls.

Often, functional tics are seen in people with no history of tics and who are experiencing movement symptoms for the first time. This rapid onset of tic symptoms is unique to FND. Additionally, these tics are usually incapacitating in nature and are often associated with symptoms of clinical anxiety and depression.

Functional tics can take very different forms. The movements are generally described as being more elaborate and noticeable than those in other tic disorders and come on suddenly without any predictable warning.

Some of the more common functional tics include:

  • uncontrollable movements of body limbs and trunk
  • shouting or verbalizing inappropriate words
  • movements that result in unintentional self-injury
  • throwing objects at another person

Many experts believe these sudden-onset tics could be partially due to increased stress from social media exposure, where tics and tic-like symptoms have been increasingly shared. That, possibly in combination with the distress and isolation habits that peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, are potential theories for an increase in functional tic disorders.

More specifically, functional tics may be triggered by a variety of emotional and environmental factors. These triggers can sometimes be predictable but often are highly personal for each individual.

Common triggers of a functional tic include:

  • anxiety
  • stress
  • watching tic-like behaviors (either on social media or other video)
  • changes in daily and social life
  • financial worries
  • personal loss or grief

Identifying personal triggers is very important in developing an appropriate treatment. Often, someone with functional tics will need professional help to identify their triggers.

Effective treatments for functional tics are still evolving. Experts suggest a multidisciplinary approach for most people with recurring or persistent functional tics. This could involve consulting with various healthcare professionals such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, and psychologist.

While anti-tic medications are not usually effective for someone with functional tics, medications that treat other coexisting conditions may be prescribed. These conditions can include anxiety, depression, and headaches.

Other treatment strategies for functional tics could include:

  • education and management, including counseling and symptom awareness
  • trigger awareness and reduction
  • cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to retrain the brain and alter its response to triggers
  • antidepressant medications, as they may benefit non-motor symptoms
  • knowing your coexisting conditions
  • learning how to approach stressful but necessary aspects of life (work, school, social situations)

If you’re the parent of a child experiencing functional tics, talk with their pediatrician or other healthcare professionals. They can help determine whether the tic is functional or a symptom of an underlying condition requiring additional treatment.

FND is different from other tic disorders, though the conditions may look similar.

Tourette syndrome, for example, involves organic tics. They’re usually focused in the head area and less complex than functional tics.

Organic tics may also occur as a symptom related to certain mental health conditions, including ADHD and OCD. Autistic spectrum disorder can also cause tic-like behavior that’s used as a self-soothing technique.

Here are some ways that functional tics differ from organic tics.

Organic ticsFunctional tics
onset in early childhoodonset or worsening during teenage years
more common in malesmore common in females
involve vocal or physical tics that are relatively simpleinvolve more complex tics
may be accompanied by a warning sensationusually aren’t accompanied by any sense of warning

Functional tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds that can interfere with daily life. They tend to appear during the teenage years and are more common in girls.

Treatment for functional tics focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy and medications for any coexisting conditions.