Randomized Trial of Online Behavior Therapy for Adults with Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder Comparing Exposure-Based Therapy to Psychological Support

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an Internet-delivered behavior therapy based on exposure with response prevention ERP for adults diagnosed with Tourette syndrome TS or chronic tic disorder CTD. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of ERP-based therapy on tic severity against a control group receiving general psychological support. The primary focus is on measuring tic severity using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale YGTSS-TTS at week 11 after treatment begins, with additional assessments at 23 weeks and 14 months to examine long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. The study involves two groups one receiving 10 weeks of ERP-based behavior therapy via an online platform with therapist guidance, and a control group receiving brief psychoeducational content along with general psychological support without active behavior therapy components. Participants in the therapy group will learn to expose themselves to tic triggers and practice tic suppression using tools such as the Ticstimer worksheet to record their progress. The control group receives therapist encouragement and can ask questions but will not receive active behavior therapy. Participants will be assessed through various scales and questionnaires measuring tic severity, impairment, depression, quality of life, and social adjustment at multiple points from baseline through 14 months after treatment start. Researchers will monitor adherence, adverse events, and safety throughout the trial. The study includes a health-economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. The total participation time covers treatment and follow-up periods extending beyond one year.

Internet-based Behavior Therapy for Adults With Tourette Syndrome