Actively Recruiting
Neurofeedback From the Supplementary Motor Area for Tourette Syndrome
Led by Yale University · Updated on 2025-08-06
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Y
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying adolescents aged 10 to 16 years with Tourette Syndrome or chronic tic disorder to compare two types of real-time fMRI neurofeedback targeting different brain regions. The trial aims to explore whether neurofeedback from the supplementary motor area (SMA) versus a control brain region can affect symptoms and brain activity related to these conditions. Participants undergo three training sessions involving fMRI neurofeedback. Each session includes six scans alternating between attempts to increase or decrease activity in the targeted brain region while watching a line graph showing their brain activity in real time. One group receives feedback from the SMA, while the control group receives feedback from a different brain region. During the study, participants will be assessed before the intervention, shortly after, and up to one month later to measure changes in symptoms and control over brain activity. Researchers will monitor symptom changes using standard scales and observe brain activity during neurofeedback. The study includes screening for eligibility, several neurofeedback training visits, and follow-up assessments to track progress and safety over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neurofeedback From the Supplementary Motor Area for Tourette Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Boys and girls aged 10 to 16 years
- Current diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or chronic tic disorder with active tics that can be performed without head movement
- YGTSS score of at least 13 for Tourette Syndrome or at least 12 for chronic tic disorder
- Stable medication treatment with no planned changes during the study
- Family residence within 2 hours of Yale Medical Center and ability to attend all assessment and fMRI visits
- Ability of children and parents to speak and understand spoken English
- No metal medical implants or braces
- Not pregnant
- Body weight less than 250 lbs
- No claustrophobia
You will not qualify if you...
- Intelligence quotient below 80
- Current diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or current suicidality
- Significant medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, liver or renal failure, pulmonary disease, or seizure disorder
- Psychotherapy initiated less than 8 weeks before the study; ongoing psychotherapy started at least 8 weeks before is allowed
- Subjects may be excluded if target brain regions cannot be localized after the first MRI scan
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 2 weeks
Participants undergo three fMRI neurofeedback sessions to train control over brain activity in target regions, receiving feedback via a line graph during scans.
3 visits (in-person) with six neurofeedback scans per session
Duration - 1 month
Participants are assessed for symptom changes and control over brain activity at multiple timepoints after the neurofeedback sessions.
3 visits (in-person) at 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Yale University School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut, United States, 06520
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Cheyenne Harris-Starling
J
Jitendra Awasti
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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