Persistent Tic Disorder, Tourette Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorder, Online, Adults, Mindfulness, Therapy
Brief summary
Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Persistent Tic Disorder (PTD) are chronic and potentially disabling neurobiological conditions. Although a range of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments exists, a significant number of individuals either do not respond to the current treatments or find them unacceptable. Thus, it is essential that researchers continue to develop and test novel treatment approaches. In this randomized controlled trial the investigators will compare two different online group-based interventions for tics: a mindfulness-based program (Mindfulness-based Intervention for Tics (MBIT), and a psychoeducational and supportive therapy program (Tic Information and Coping Strategies (TICS)). The purpose of this study is to determine which intervention is more helpful for adults with a tic disorder.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMindfulness-based Intervention for Tics
Psychological intervention that focuses on cultivating awareness of urges to tic and developing a different relationship to those urges through meditation and other mindfulness practices.
BEHAVIORALTic Information and Coping Strategies
Psychological Intervention that focuses on learning more about tics, practicing a range of strategies for coping with tics (e.g., relaxation, effective communication), and discussing challenges commonly experienced by individuals with tics.
Sponsors
Massachusetts General Hospital
Bowdoin College
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
Randomized Controlled Trial
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. be 18 years of age or older, 2. possess a primary diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or Persistent Tic Disorder, 3. be fluent in English 4. reside in the United States, 5. either not be taking any tic suppressant medication or other psychotropic medication or be at a stable dose for 8 weeks prior to the baseline assessment and throughout the study
Exclusion criteria
1. be receiving concurrent psychotherapy for the duration of the study 2. have prior extensive experience with mindfulness and/or meditation and 3. have another medical or psychological condition that would prevent the individual from fully engaging in the study or require a higher level of care (e.g., suicidality).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) Total Tic Severity Score | Screening, Week 0, Week 9, Week 13, Week 35 | Clinician-rated measure of tic severity |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Adult Tic Questionnaire | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Rating Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Depression Anxiety Stress Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Premonitory Urge to Tic Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Tic Rating Form | Weeks 1-8 |
| Problem Rating Form | Weeks 1-8 |
| Clinical Global Impressions Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Work and Social Adjustment Survey | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire | Weeks 0, 4, 8, 9, 13, 35 |
| Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire | Week 3 |
| Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire | Week 9 |
| Self Compassion Scale | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Affective Reactivity Index | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Brief Irritability Test | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
| Patient Health Questionnaire-9 | Weeks 0, 9, 13, 35 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed