Tourette’s influencers
Channel 4, 10pm THERE’S been a surge in cases of young people battling physical and vocal tics, reminiscent of Tourette’s syndrome.
Scarlett Moffatt, who experienced tics during a stressful period in her childhood, hosts this one-off documentary, trying to establish why there has been such a steep rise in this affliction recently and what can be done to support sufferers.
She suspects the pandemic is partly responsible, with lockdowns having a huge impact on mental health, and she explores the link between anxiety and Tourette’s.
But surprisingly, she also discovers social media has a significant role to play, with many sufferers sharing videos of their tics and possibly even instigating the condition in others.
Indeed, Scarlett is shocked to hear the theory that these tics can be contagious and even worries for her own health while making the programme.
Scarlett visits the Isle of Wight to meet teenager Betsy, who can no longer spend time with her best friend since the two of them developed the condition at the same time, out of nowhere.
Her mum, who is a teacher, has come across some similar cases but has no idea how she should deal with the condition. Betsy compartmentalises her vocal tics as an alter-ego called Frankie and she’s mortified when she comes out with insults she can’t control. Scarlett also attends a support circle where she meets Ryan, whose Tourette’s manifests itself in an extremely physical way – with painful muscle spasms that leave him in need of urgent assistance from paramedics.