Sensorimotor and Psychosocial Trajectories in Adolescents with Tic Disorder

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Aug 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how adolescents with tic disorders, such as Tourette Syndrome, experience sensory and movement challenges compared to their peers without tics. Researchers want to better understand the different symptoms that come with tic disorders, as these can affect a young person's quality of life beyond just the tics themselves. The goal is to gather information that could help in developing new treatments and improving care for those with tic disorders.

To participate, adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 who have a diagnosis of chronic tic disorder are eligible. Participants will complete questionnaires and various tasks during two study visits, first within 30 days and then again two years later. A parent or adult who knows the adolescent well will also fill out questionnaires to provide additional insights. Adolescents without tic disorders can also join as a comparison group, but they must not have a history of tics or related conditions. This study aims to deepen our understanding of how sensory and motor symptoms affect adolescents with tic disorders, which is important for their overall mental and social health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * Inclusion criteria for adolescents with tic disorder:
• • adolescent age 11-17 years of age
• • adolescent diagnosis of chronic tic disorder (Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorder, chronic vocal tic disorder)
• • English-speaking adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy (as validated questionnaires are in English)
• • adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy willingness and ability to complete relevant questionnaires
• * Exclusion criteria for for adolescents with tic disorder:
• • cognitive or attentional impairment precluding ability of adolescent or caregiver/adult proxy to complete questionnaires and other study measures
• • adolescent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychotic disorder
• • adolescent diagnosis of pervasive genetic disorder besides chronic tic disorders and their known comorbidities
• • adolescent with severe medical conditions unrelated to chronic tic disorders (e.g. uncontrolled seizures, prominent heart conditions)
• • other variables that might influence ratings outside of the typical presentation of chronic tic disorders
• • Additional exclusion criteria for EEG tasks for chronic tic disorder sample\*\*
• • adolescent treatment with stimulant medications or anti-seizure medications within the past 30 days
• • use of marijuana or recreational substances within the past 30 days
• • history of seizure
• • history of hearing loss or abnormalities
• • history of neuropathy or overt sensory deficit
• • history of brain surgery or skull-penetrating/deforming trauma
• • history of stroke, brain cancer, or other significant neurologic illness/disorder \*\* Individuals excluded based on these criteria are ineligible for the EEG portion of the study but can complete the remainder of the study measures.
• • Inclusion criteria for control (neurotypical adolescent) participants
• • adolescent age 11-17 years of age
• • English-speaking adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy (as validated questionnaires are in English)
• • adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy willingness and ability to complete relevant questionnaires
• • Exclusion criteria for control sample
• • history of tics, ADHD, OCD, or other significant neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorder.
• • \*\* Note: adolescents with history of mood or anxiety disorder are eligible.
• • cognitive or attentional impairment precluding ability of adolescent or caregiver/adult proxy to complete questionnaires and other study measures
• • adolescent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychotic disorder
• • adolescent diagnosis of pervasive genetic disorder
• • adolescent with severe medical conditions (e.g. uncontrolled seizures, prominent heart conditions)
• • other variables that might influence ratings
• • Additional exclusion criteria for EEG tasks for control sample\*
• • adolescent treatment with stimulant medications or anti-seizure medications within the past 30 days
• • use of marijuana or recreational substances within the past 30 days
• • history of seizure
• • history of hearing loss or abnormalities
• • history of neuropathy or overt sensory deficit
• • history of brain surgery or skull-penetrating/deforming trauma
• • history of stroke, brain cancer, or other significant neurologic illness/disorder