Remote group therapy using mindfulness or supportive education for adults with Tourettes syndrome or persistent tic disorders

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates treatments for Tourettes 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.

Remote Delivery of a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Tics