Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Tics

This review aims to collate takeaways from the most recent and relevant literature related to tics, from genetic studies to case studies elucidating Functional tic like behaviors (FTLBs) and clinical trials of novel drugs in development. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and functional neuroimaging studies have enhanced the understanding of genetic and structural links to Tourette Syndrome (TS). The rise of FTLBs during the Covid-19 pandemic heightened our understanding of this phenomenon and led to the identification of social media’s influence on tics. New studies have identified sex-related difference in TS and common psychiatric co-morbidities. Tic treatment is evolving away from traditional anti-psychotics toward newer compounds including VMAT-2 inhibitors, Ecopipam, and cannabinoid formulations, as well as novel transcranial stimulation approaches. Our understanding of tic etiology and pathophysiology as well tics’ functional counterpart FTLBs and social media impact is expanding along with our ability to manage tics with novel treatments in development.