Actively Recruiting
Modeling Tic Change During Behavior Therapy for Tics in Youth Ages 12-21
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2026-03-19
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying chronic tics, which are disabling symptoms seen in several mental disorders starting in childhood, affecting 1-3% of young people. These tics can cause difficulties in daily life, emotional and behavioral challenges, physical pain, and social problems. The study focuses on a behavioral treatment called Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which aims to help patients control their tics. Although CBIT is a recommended first treatment, only some patients show significant improvement, so this study seeks to better understand how tic control changes during therapy. Participants aged 12 to 21 with chronic tics will undergo 10 weekly outpatient CBIT sessions over about 10 weeks, with the last two sessions spaced two weeks apart. CBIT involves learning to inhibit tics by practicing competing motor responses. The treatment will be video recorded, and assessments will be conducted before treatment, immediately after, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups to track changes over time. During the study, participants will complete various evaluations including tic severity scales, disability measures, executive function tests, and questionnaires on attitudes, self-esteem, and caregiver strain. Researchers will also assess tic suppression ability, premonitory urges, and cognitive control at multiple time points. The study monitors changes in behavior, social functioning, and overall clinical impression to identify factors linked to treatment response. Participation lasts through treatment and follow-up assessments over several months.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Modeling Tic Change During Behavior Therapy for Tics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 12-21 years at time of enrollment
- Current chronic motor and/or vocal tics lasting at least 1 year without a tic-free period longer than 3 consecutive months
- Tics not caused by a medical condition or substance effects
- Moderate or greater tic severity as measured by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (score ≥14 or ≥9 for motor or vocal tics only)
- Full scale IQ greater than 70
- Fluent in English to understand study measures and instructions
You will not qualify if you...
- Active suicidality
- Previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
- Substance abuse or dependence within the past year
- Currently receiving psychotherapy focused on tics
- Taking neuroleptic or antipsychotic medications
- Taking medications that have not been stable for at least 6 weeks or with planned dose changes during the study period
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 - 10 weeks
Participants attend 10 weekly outpatient sessions of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), with the last two sessions delivered biweekly.
10 outpatient visits
Duration - 3 months post-treatment
Participants complete follow-up assessments at 1 month and 3 months after treatment to monitor tic severity and other outcomes.
2 follow-up visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55414
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brianna Wellen, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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