Examining the effects of stress on adults with Tourette Syndrome

Longitudinal Impact of Stressors in Adults With Tourette Syndrome

Observational Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04851678

This study looks at how stress affects adults with Tourette Syndrome over two years to see if it changes their tics, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT04851678 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the long-term impact of environmental stressors on adults with Tourette Syndrome (TS) over a two-year period. It will assess how lifetime exposure to stress affects tic severity, psychiatric comorbidities, and overall health-related quality of life. The study will include adults over 18 who meet the diagnostic criteria for TS or related disorders, and it will gather data through interviews and assessments without any interventions. The findings could provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by adults with TS and inform future treatment approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 who have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome or related tic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical, neurologic, or psychiatric conditions other than Tourette Syndrome may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how stress influences the lives of adults with Tourette Syndrome, potentially leading to improved support and interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the impact of stress in adults with Tourette Syndrome, studies on stress and its effects on mental health have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adults (\>18) meeting Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, 5th edition (DSM-V) criteria for Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorder, or chronic vocal tic disorder
* ability to provide informed consent
* English proficiency

Exclusion Criteria:

\- significant medical, neurologic, or psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. uncontrolled epilepsy, chronic heart failure, schizophrenia) besides TS and its commonly co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tourette SyndromeStressEnvironmental stressPsychosocial stress
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.