Studying How Premonitory Urges Change During Habit Reversal Training for Tics in Children and Teens

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how premonitory urges PUs, which are uncomfortable sensations signaling an upcoming tic, change during Habit Reversal Training HRT for tics in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17. The study aims to understand whether these urges decrease within and between HRT sessions, which could provide insights into how tic symptoms improve and the mechanisms behind tic maintenance and reduction. This research is important because while tics can be reduced, it is unclear if the premonitory urges diminish alongside tic improvement. Participants will undergo three therapist-guided HRT sessions, each lasting one hour, focusing on three specific tics. In addition to these sessions, participants will engage in 15 practice sessions over three weeks, each about 30 minutes, to practice competing responses learned during therapy. Both study visits and practice sessions will be conducted in person and online via secure videoconference, allowing flexibility in participation. During the study, participants will attend a total of five study visits, including intake, treatment, and a post-assessment. Researchers will measure premonitory urge severity using an urge thermometer during baseline observations, each HRT session, practice sessions, and post-assessment. Tic frequency will also be counted during these times to assess changes. The study is designed to closely monitor fluctuations in urges and tic behaviors throughout treatment and practice, with sessions lasting from 1 to 1.5 hours and practice sessions around 30 minutes each.

Investigating Changes in Premonitory Urges During Habit Reversal Training for Tics