Actively Recruiting
Remote Delivery of a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Tics
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-05-11
150
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
B
Bowdoin College
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research investigates treatments for Tourette's syndrome and related persistent tic disorders, which affect about 1% of the population and often begin in childhood. Individuals with these conditions experience motor and vocal tics, distressing sensations before tics, and frequently have other mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Current treatments include behavior therapy and medication, but many adults do not respond well to existing therapies, and some medications can cause harmful side effects. This study aims to explore a mindfulness-based intervention for tics (MBIT) as a potential new treatment option. The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing MBIT to psychoeducation with relaxation and supportive therapy (PRST). Both treatments are delivered remotely over 8 weeks through group sessions using telehealth. MBIT includes mindfulness exercises, meditation, teaching, discussions, and homework assignments, while PRST focuses on education about tics, relaxation techniques, support, and similar weekly assignments. Assessments will be conducted by an independent evaluator unaware of treatment groups. Participants will be adults aged 18 or older with moderate or greater tic severity. They will complete evaluations at screening, during treatment at weeks 0, 5, and 9, and follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment ends. Measures include the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, tic questionnaires, assessments of co-occurring symptoms like OCD and ADHD, mood questionnaires, and mindfulness scales. The study will track tic severity, related impairments, psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Remote Delivery of a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Tics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or a Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder confirmed by clinical interview
- Have moderate or greater tic severity as measured by a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score of over 14 for motor and vocal tics or over 10 for only motor or vocal tics
- Be medication free or on a stable psychiatric medication dose for at least 8 weeks before joining
- Not be currently engaged in psychotherapy for non-Tourette conditions or be stable in such therapy for at least 6 months
- Be fluent in English
- Have access to a smartphone or tablet
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a current diagnosis of substance use disorder, psychosis, mania, or another condition requiring different care
- Have severe suicidal or homicidal thoughts or self-injury needing medical intervention
- Be currently receiving psychotherapy for Tourette Syndrome
- Have extensive prior experience with mindfulness or meditation practices
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 (remote)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive an 8-week psychological intervention delivered remotely via telehealth. They will be assigned to either a mindfulness-based intervention for tics or psychoeducation with relaxation and supportive therapy. Weekly therapeutic exercises and assignments are included.
Weekly remote group sessions for 8 weeks
Duration - 6 months
Participants are monitored for 6 months after treatment to evaluate sustained improvement in tic severity, co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life.
Remote assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lauren Browning
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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