Behavior Therapy Study for Youth Ages 12-21 With Chronic Tic Disorders Using CBIT

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.

Modeling Tic Change During Behavior Therapy for Tics