Actively Recruiting
Mobile App-assisted Behavioral Treatment (MA-BT) in Children and Adolescents With a Chronic Tic Disorder Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Treatment Response and Satisfaction
Led by Aarhus University Hospital · Updated on 2025-02-21
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
60 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a mobile app-assisted behavioral treatment for children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 with chronic tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome. These neurodevelopmental disorders involve sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations called tics, which can cause distress. The study aims to improve access to effective tic treatments that combine Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) through a digital platform, making treatment more available and encouraging adherence, especially for those managed in primary care. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving app-assisted training based on the "Niks til Tics" manual combining HRT and ERP over eight sessions plus a booster session, and the other receiving app-based psychoeducation about tics. The app releases new content session by session in the treatment group, while the education group accesses all app content from the first session. This randomized controlled trial compares the two approaches to assess the effectiveness of the app-assisted training. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments including the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) at multiple time points up to about two years after starting. Additional measures include scales for premonitory urges, beliefs about tics, and parent and child self-evaluations. The study also tracks treatment satisfaction and changes in tic intensity. The trial is sponsored by Aarhus University Hospital and aims to contribute new knowledge on digital interventions for tic disorders.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mobile App-assisted Behavioral Treatment in Children and Adolescents With Tics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have a primary diagnosis of chronic motor or vocal tic disorder including Tourette syndrome according to WHO ICD-10 and DSM criteria
- Have a total tic score higher than 13 on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, or above 9 if only motor or vocal tics are present
- Are between 9 and 17 years old
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a psychotic disorder
- Have primary severe depression
- Have suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Have a primary severe eating disorder
- Have an IQ below 70
- Have participated in tic training based on Habit Reversal Training or Exposure Response Prevention within the last 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 23 weeks
Participants receive mobile app-assisted behavioral treatment or psychoeducation to manage tics through structured app sessions.
Visits at baseline, 5 weeks, 15 weeks, and 23 weeks
Duration - 52 to 73 weeks
Participants are monitored for long-term effects and treatment satisfaction up to nearly 2 years after treatment initiation.
1 visit between 75 and 96 weeks after baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
AarhusUH
Aarhus N, Risskov, Denmark, 8240
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
judith nissen, phd
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here