Tic Suppression Task for Tourette Syndrome
(NS in TS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is studying certain brain-affecting chemicals in boys and girls with Tourette syndrome to understand why it's more common in males and how stress impacts symptoms. The goal is to see if changing these chemical levels can help control tics.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants stop taking medications that can change stress sensitivity, like antidepressants and anxiolytics (medications for anxiety). If you're on these medications, you may need to stop them to join the trial.
Is the tic suppression task treatment safe for humans?
How does the tic suppression task treatment differ from other treatments for Tourette Syndrome?
The tic suppression task treatment is unique because it focuses on the ability to consciously suppress tics, which may help reduce tic frequency without the rebound effect often seen after suppression efforts. This approach is different from drug treatments that target neurochemical pathways, such as those involving the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, which can exacerbate tics under stress.12367
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Neuroactive Steroids for treating Tourette Syndrome?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Marco Bortolato, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Utah
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for boys and girls aged 8-12 with Tourette Syndrome (TS), who can perform a tic suppression task. Participants must meet the diagnostic criteria for TS, have no other tic disorders if they are controls, and be at a certain stage of puberty. Those with major psychiatric or neurological disorders, endocrine issues, or on hormone-altering drugs cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Tic Suppression Experimental Paradigm
Children with tics will undergo a tic suppression experimental paradigm to study the dynamic alterations in steroidomic salivary profiles
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in salivary allopregnanolone concentrations and tic frequency
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Neuroactive Steroids
- Tic suppression task
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Utah
Lead Sponsor
University of Miami
Collaborator
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Collaborator