Identifying early brain and behavior signs of tic disorders in preschoolers
Official title: Preschool MRI predictors of tic outcomes from a 15-year longitudinal study
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11133386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain scans and behavior tests can help us understand if kids might develop tic disorders like Tourette syndrome, by tracking over 300 children for 15 years to spot early signs of tics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $70,006 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH127187-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 3-19 who have participated in the Preschool Depression Study and may show signs of tics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of tic disorders or related behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early brain imaging and behavioral assessments can predict the development of tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, in children. By analyzing data from over 300 children who participated in a long-term study, researchers will examine video recordings and MRI scans taken over 15 years to identify signs that may indicate the onset of tics. The goal is to differentiate between brain features that precede tics and those that result from tic disorders, providing valuable insights into individual prognoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early identification and management strategies for children at risk of developing tic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging and behavioral assessments to predict neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Kevin J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Black, Kevin J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.