Abstract:
Starting in 2019, in Germany the first well documented outbreak of mass sociogenic illness induced by social media (mass social media-induced illness; MSMI) occurred presenting with functional Tourette-like behaviors (FTB). This study aimed to provide first data on the prevalence rate of MSMI-FTB in Germany between 2019 and 2021 in the general population. We conducted a large-scale representative population survey in cooperation with the USUMA market and social research institute. Between August and December 2021, n = 2.509 people (mean age: 49.5 years, range: 16-95 years, n = 1.276 females) were randomly selected, visited in their households, interviewed, and asked to answer for themselves, but also for close family members (n = 6.744). Thus, in total, we received answers for n = 9.253 people. Probable MSMI-FTB was found in n = 33 individuals (mean age at onset: 30.5 years, n = 8 females). Based on strict criteria, the diagnosis of MSMI-FTB was considered highly likely in 16/33 individuals (mean age at onset: 25.6 years, n = 2 females) corresponding to prevalence rates of 0.17% (CIlower = 0.10, CIupper = 0.28) and 0.36% (CIlower = 0.25, CIupper = 0.50), respectively. This is the first large-scale, population representative study investigating the prevalence of MSMI-FTB in the general population in Germany between 2019 and 2021. Based on the prevalence rates found, MSMI-FTB is highly relevant for health economy. Accordingly, we suggest educating healthcare professionals and the general public to avoid misdiagnosis and inefficient treatment.
摘要:
从2019年开始,德国首次爆发了由社交媒体引起的大规模社会疾病(大众社交媒体诱发的疾病;MSMI),表现为功能性Tourette样行为(FTB)。这项研究旨在提供2019年至2021年德国普通人群MSMI-FTB患病率的初步数据。我们与USUMA市场和社会研究所合作进行了大规模的代表性人口调查。2021年8月至12月,n=2.509人(平均年龄:49.5岁,范围:16-95年,n=1.276女性)被随机选择,拜访他们的家庭,采访,并要求自己回答,也适用于亲密的家庭成员(n=6.744)。因此,总的来说,我们收到了n=9.253人的答案。在n=33个人中发现了可能的MSMI-FTB(平均年龄:30.5岁,n=8个女性)。基于严格的标准,MSMI-FTB的诊断被认为在16/33个体中很可能(发病时的平均年龄:25.6岁,n=2女性),对应于0.17%(CIlower=0.10,CI上限=0.28)和0.36%(CIlower=0.25,CI上限=0.50)的患病率,分别。这是第一次大规模,人口代表性研究调查了2019年至2021年德国普通人群MSMI-FTB的患病率。根据发现的患病率,MSMI-FTB与卫生经济高度相关。因此,我们建议教育医疗保健专业人员和公众,以避免误诊和低效的治疗。