Influencer Landon Barker Confirms Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis: Advocating Mental Health Awareness
Travis Barker’s son, Landon, took to social media to confirm his diagnosis with Tourette syndrome, addressing fan speculation regarding his displayed symptoms of the condition. The 20-year-old influencer, known for his large following on TikTok, shared a video response to a comment asking about his health status.
In the video, posted on another account with a substantial following, Landon revealed, “I actually do have very, very minor Tourette’s.” He explained that he has experienced symptoms since childhood, recalling instances from preschool where a teacher mistook his tics for rolling his eyes.
Tourette syndrome is characterized by repetitive movements or unwanted sounds that individuals struggle to control, according to the Mayo Clinic. Landon described his current symptoms, including head movements and jaw rolling, particularly in nerve-racking situations.
The disorder is more prevalent in males, with a higher likelihood of development compared to females, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. Landon’s disclosure aligns with his previous openness about mental health challenges, having discussed struggles with OCD, ADHD, and anxiety. Additionally, he revealed experiencing depersonalization-derealization disorder during a period of alcohol abuse.
Depersonalization-derealization disorder causes individuals to feel disconnected from themselves and their surroundings, leading to a sense of detachment and altered perception, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Landon’s candidness about his journey reflects a broader conversation surrounding mental health awareness and destigmatization.
With his disclosure, Landon Barker not only sheds light on Tourette syndrome but also contributes to ongoing discussions about mental health, promoting understanding and empathy within his community and beyond.
