Amidst rising concerns about mental health in adolescents, the role of social media (SM), particularly highly visual platforms such as TikTok, has become a growing focus of investigation. In the extant literature, conclusive evidence is limited by the aggregate analysis of very heterogeneous SM platforms. This systematic scoping review examines the relationship between TikTok and mental health in adolescents. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential interactions between typical developmental processes and the unique aspects of TikTok, exploring their relevance to mental health within this demographic. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and PsychINFO yielded 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 17,336 subjects from 10 countries. The retrieved studies analyzed four main topics related to TikTok use, i.e., the overall impact on adolescents’ mental health, risk of problematic use and behavioral addiction, consequences on body image and self-esteem, and possible spreading of mental illness behaviors. While TikTok offers creative opportunities for self-expression and peer connection, the literature raises concerns about its potential negative effects on teens, such as lower life satisfaction, increased risk of “contagion” of certain psychiatric symptoms, and problematic usage patterns. Significant variations in study methodologies and outcome measures were observed. In the current era of evolving SM landscapes, a comprehensive approach informed by developmentally grounded research is critically needed to further understand the interplay between SM and adolescent mental health, providing insights for health authorities and policymakers.

The expression “twice-exceptionality” has been used to describe conditions in which giftedness and specific disorders coexist. Our study offers a retrospective analysis of clinical reports of gifted children evaluated for suspected specific learning disorders (SLD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The initial sample included 456 school-aged children referred to our clinic for suspected SLD and/or ADHD over a two-year interval. The inclusion criteria were: a General Ability Index score above 120 in the cognitive assessment; age 6–18 years; and not satisfying diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Forty children were selected for the study. We grouped patients according to the final diagnosis: neurodevelopmental disorder (SLD and/or ADHD) (n = 15), psychopathological disorder (n = 8), mixed neurodevelopmental and psychopathological (n = 13), no emerging disorder (n = 4). The study included 36 (90%) males. Mean age was 9.3 years (SD 1.62). Mean Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient was 121.7 (SD 7.77), mean General Ability Index was 130.2 (SD 6.79). Furthermore, the cognitive assessment of the different groups highlighted a non-homogeneous profile in all groups, with lower scores on working memory and processing speed indexes. Our results support the hypothesis that difficulties in gifted children’s adaptation to scholastic and social settings could be misinterpreted as a manifestation of a clear disease.

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), do often present in comorbidity among them and with other medical conditions, including sleep and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and somatic complaints. An anonymous online survey based on standardized questionnaires (SDSC, KL-ASD, APSI, ROME V CRITERIA, CPRS, CBCL) was completed by the parents of 46 preschoolers diagnosed with ASD. A high prevalence (47%) of ADHD symptoms in this population was found, surpassing previous estimates. Sleep disturbances, especially difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep and sleep–wake transition, are more pronounced in ASD patients with comorbid ADHD. Additionally, in patients over 4 years old, there is a high prevalence of functional GI symptoms (Rome V criteria: 38%). Parental stress is significantly associated with ADHD symptoms, sleep disorders, and GI symptoms. Comprehensive assessments considering both core symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders and associated comorbidities are crucial for more effective treatment strategies and improved wellbeing in affected individuals and their families.

Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in mental health issues among children and adolescents, which coincides with the widespread use of social media (SM). While the exact relationship between SM use and psychiatric health remains unclear, growing evidence suggests that excessive screen time is linked to psychosocial symptoms. This article examines the importance of systematically assessing SM use as part of a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for young individuals. Key factors to consider include the type, content, and purpose of SM use, as well as daily usage patterns and overall screen time. For instance, nighttime SM use can disrupt sleep and contribute to mental health issues. Additionally, while exposure to inappropriate content on SM may negatively affect mental health, positive online interactions can provide support and educational opportunities. Clinicians should also distinguish between different types of SM users—active creators, interactive participants, and passive consumers—since these engagement levels may influence mental health outcomes. Standardized tools for assessing SM use are recommended, though challenges arise due to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Lastly, fostering open and non-judgmental communication with young patients about their digital habits is essential for understanding the role of SM in their lives and promoting healthier behaviors.

Background: Tourette Syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorders (TD) are complex neuropsychiatric conditions often associated with comorbidities. Despite their prevalence, these disorders are frequently underdiagnosed and poorly managed due to limited healthcare access and lack of specialized services. An online survey was conducted in Italy to assess access to care and the impact of TS/TD on social, educational, and occupational life.Method: A nationwide online survey, including 100 participants (mean age 23.1, SD 14.6; M:F=77:33), was developed to assess diagnostic-therapeutic processes and quality of life (QoL) in TS/TD. The survey had three sections: 1) Access to Care, 2) Tic Severity, and 3) Impact of TS/TD.Results: Diagnosis was delayed by an average of 7.7 years. The lack of clear information was a major issue, with caregivers reporting easier access to information than youths and adults with TS/TD (p= .042, OR: 0.37). Pharmacological treatment was the most common (53% currently, 63% previously), while psychotherapy was more common among children and early adolescents (50%) compared to older participants (25.6%) (p= .037). Specialized cognitive-behavioral treatments, such as EPT and HRT, were rare, with only 7% receiving HRT and none undergoing EPT. Comorbidities had a significantly greater impact on QoL than tics (p= .004, Cohen’s d=0.3).Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for improved access to specialized care, greater healthcare professional awareness, and enhanced support for individuals with TS/TD and their families, especially for early diagnosis and effective cognitive behavioral treatments.