Internet-based Behavior Therapy for Adults With Tourette Syndrome

Launched by KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · Feb 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new online behavior therapy designed for adults with Tourette syndrome (TS) or chronic tic disorder (CTD). The goal is to see if this Internet-based therapy can help reduce the severity of tics compared to a control group that will receive general psychological support. Participants in the therapy group will go through 10 weeks of treatment, where they will learn techniques to manage their tics with the help of a therapist online. The study will also look at how this therapy impacts daily life, including work and social interactions, as well as overall quality of life.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of TS or CTD, and must be experiencing significant tics. They should be comfortable using a computer and have regular internet access. However, those currently receiving other treatments for TS or CTD, or who have certain severe psychiatric conditions, will not be included. The trial is currently recruiting participants across the country, and the results will help determine whether this online therapy is an effective option for managing tics in adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥ 18 years of age.
• • Primary diagnosis of TS/CTD, according to criteria in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders 5th edition.
• • Provided digital informed consent.
• • Have a Total Tic Severity Score (TTS) of \>15, or \>10 for individuals with motor or vocal tics only, in the past week, as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS).
• • Being willing and able to follow the study procedures and participate in the 10-week treatment program.
• • Being fluent in Swedish.
• • Have regular access to a computer connected to the Internet, sufficient technical skills to use the treatment platform, as well as a mobile phone to receive text messages.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Ongoing or planned psychological treatment for TS/CTD.
• • Previous BT for tics of a minimum of 8 sessions with a qualified therapist within 12 months prior to assessment.
• • Adjustment of medication for tics within the last two months prior to assessment.
• • Severe psychiatric comorbidities such as organic brain disorders, bipolar disorder, ongoing psychosis, anorexia nervosa or substance use disorders that can interfere with the treatment for TS/CTD.
• • Acute psychiatric problems such as severe depression or suicidal risk needing immediate psychiatric care.
• • Severe tics causing immediate risk to the participants themselves or to others and requiring urgent medical attention.