Functional Movement Disorder in Teens: Understanding Sudden Involuntary Movements

First published August 2021
Updated March 2026

Health care providers have recently been seeing more teenagers with functional movement disorder. This condition causes sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. Because these symptoms can resemble other conditions, such as tics or Tourette syndrome, the disorder can be confusing and sometimes alarming for families.

Understanding how functional movement disorder differs from other movement disorders can help parents know what to watch for and when to seek help.

What Is Functional Movement Disorder?

Functional movement disorder causes unusual, involuntary movements and/or sounds that cannot be explained by an underlying neurological disease.

Symptoms usually begin suddenly, and many teens (or their parents) can identify the exact day the movements first appeared.

Other features of functional movement disorder include:

• Movements occur without warning
• Symptoms can appear random or unpredictable
• Movements may be suggestible, meaning teens may repeat movements they observe in others
• Repeating a movement can make it occur more frequently

The encouraging news is that most teens improve over time. In fact, about 80% experience significant improvement, with or without treatment.

How Is Functional Movement Disorder Different than Tics?

Tics are repetitive muscle movements or vocalizations that are common during childhood and adolescence. 10-25% of all kids and teens develop a tic at some point. One key difference is that children with tics often feel a sensation beforehand, such as an itch, pressure, or urge. This uncomfortable sensation is relieved after the tic occurs. Like functional movement disorder, most tics improve or disappear on their own.

Common examples of tics include:

• Eye rolling
• Forceful blinking
• Head or neck movements
• Coughing
• Snorting
• Sneezing sounds

What About Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is diagnosed when a child has experienced at least one motor tic and one vocal tic for more than a year.

The exact cause is not known, but Tourette syndrome likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Children with Tourette syndrome are also more likely to have other conditions, including:

• ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
• OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Anxiety
• Depression

Many children see an improvement in symptoms as they reach early adulthood. Treatments such as relaxation strategies and habit-reversal therapy can help manage long-lasting tics.

Why Might Functional Movement Disorder Occur?

Researchers are still learning about what triggers functional movement disorder. In many cases, symptoms are influenced by a combination of stress, behavioral patterns, and environmental factors.

Some experts believe contributing factors may include:

• Increased stress or anxiety
• Changes in routine
• Reduced physical activity
• Increased screen time
• Exposure to online videos featuring similar movements

More research is ongoing to better understand these connections.

Helping Your Teen Stay Healthy

Supporting your teen’s overall physical and emotional well-being can help reduce stress and promote healthy habits.

Encourage your child to:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Get adequate sleep
• Limit screen time
• Maintain consistent daily routines

If your child develops new or concerning movements, your pediatrician can help determine whether a movement disorder specialist or neurologist should be involved.

When Should Parents Call the Doctor?

While many movement disorders improve over time, it’s important to talk with your child’s doctor if you notice:

• Sudden or dramatic changes in movement or behavior
• Movements that interfere with daily activities, school, or sleep
• Symptoms that continue to worsen over time
• Movements accompanied by pain, weakness, or loss of consciousness
• Concerns about anxiety, stress, or emotional well-being

Your pediatrician can help determine whether your child’s symptoms are related to functional movement disorder, tics, Tourette syndrome, or another condition, and recommend the appropriate next steps.