Behavior Therapy for Tic Disorders
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Chronic tics are a disabling neuropsychiatric symptom associated with multiple child-onset mental disorders. Chronic tics affect 1-3% of youth and can be associated with impaired functioning, emotional and behavioral problems, physical pain, diminished quality of life, and peer victimization. Chronic tics are the primary symptom of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorders. CBIT is a manualized treatment focused on increasing tic controllability. Its core procedure is competing response training (CRT), in which patients learn to inhibit tics by learning and applying a competing motor action to one tic at a time. CBIT is recommended as a first-line treatment relative to medications and other therapies. However, only 52% of children and 38% of adults show clinically meaningful tic improvement. Large randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority of CBIT over supportive therapy in child and adult patients, and meta-analysis shows comparable effect sizes for CBIT and medication. Although increasing tic controllability is the primary goal of CBIT, tic controllability nor its correlates have been examined longitudinally during the intervention. The overall objective of this study is to use fine-grained data collection strategies to identify patterns in tic controllability and other relevant related variables that are associated with treatment response to CBIT. Participants with chronic tics will complete a manualized course of 8-session CBIT. Behavioral, psychosocial, and global functioning will be assessed longitudinally to examine predictors and correlates of response. CBIT sessions will be video recorded.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants not be on neuroleptic or antipsychotic medications. If you are taking other medications, they must be stable (same medication and dose) for at least 6 weeks with no planned changes during the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment CBIT for tic disorders?
Research shows that CBIT, a behavioral therapy, is effective in reducing tic symptoms in both children and adults with chronic tic disorders. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in tic severity scores, and the treatment is well-received by patients and families, with effects that can last for months after treatment ends.12345
Is behavior therapy for tic disorders safe for humans?
How is the treatment CBIT different from other treatments for tic disorders?
CBIT is unique because it is a behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching patients to manage their tics through techniques like habit reversal and relaxation, rather than relying on medication. It has been shown to be effective in reducing tic severity and improving daily functioning, and it can be considered a first-line treatment for tic disorders.268910
Research Team
Christine Conelea, PhD, LP
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for young people aged 12-21 with chronic motor and/or vocal tics, which have lasted at least a year without a break of more than three months. Participants should have moderate tic severity as measured by the Yale scale, an IQ over 70, and must understand English well.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete a manualized course of 10 outpatient, weekly CBIT sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- CBIT
CBIT is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Chronic tics associated with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorders
- Chronic tics associated with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor