Improving tic control in youth with chronic tic disorders

Modeling Tic Change During Behavior Therapy for Tics

Not applicable Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT06270251

This study is testing whether a new therapy can help young people aged 12-21 manage their tics better and improve their daily life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06270251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on the effectiveness of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) in treating chronic tic disorders in youth aged 12-21. Participants will learn to manage their tics through competing response training, which involves applying alternative motor actions to inhibit tics. The study aims to evaluate the impact of this behavioral therapy on tic severity and overall functioning. By assessing the outcomes, the research seeks to enhance the understanding of tic management in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 12-21 with chronic motor and/or vocal tics of moderate severity.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidality, psychosis, or those currently undergoing psychotherapy for tics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve tic control and quality of life for patients with chronic tic disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that CBIT is effective in reducing tic severity, indicating a promising approach for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 12-21 years at time of enrollment.
* Current chronic motor and/or vocal tics, defined as tics for at least 1 year without a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months. Tics must not be due to a medical condition or the direct physiological effects of a substance.
* At least moderate tic severity, defined as a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale total score

  ≥14 (≥9 for those with motor or vocal tics only).
* Full scale IQ greater than 70
* English fluency to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active suicidality.
* Previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability.
* Substance abuse or dependence within the past year.
* Concurrent psychotherapy focused on tics.
* Neuroleptic/antipsychotic medications.
* Taking a medication that has not reached stability criterion (same medication and dose for 6 weeks with no planned changes over the intervention period)

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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 Chronic Tic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.