Data Sheet 2_A systematic review to characterize functional tic-like behaviors.pdf

Thirty-nine studies were included. Data were extracted on demographics, phenomenology, clinical course, psychiatric comorbidity, and treatment responsiveness. Since multiple reports originated from the same data repositories, information was synthesized qualitatively by study sample and conceptual domain.</p>Results<p>The results of our review suggest that FTLBs predominantly affect adolescents and young adults and exhibit a strong female predominance—with higher than anticipated representation of gender-diverse individuals.

Compared with TS, the onset of FTLB symptoms was abrupt and characterized by complex motor movements and vocalizations that cause functional impairment. While there is a considerable overlap between FTLBs and TS, there were distinctions in patterns of psychiatric comorbidities. Pharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provided some benefit for individuals with FTLBs, but the therapeutic target of these interventions was not specified.</p>Conclusions<p>While sharing some similarities, FTLBs have a distinct clinical presentation from TS.

There is some evidence to inform treatment approaches, but findings are complicated by the retrospective nature of most extant reports. Future research is essential to characterize longitudinal trajectories, underlying mechanisms, and evaluation of targeted interventions in randomized clinical trials.</p>