Internet-based behavior therapy for adults with Tourette syndrome

A Parallel-group, Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-based Behavior Therapy for Adults With Tourette Syndrome

This study is testing whether an online behavior therapy can help adults with Tourette syndrome reduce their tics and improve their overall well-being compared to general support.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 110 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Stockholm)
• Trial ID: NCT06271083 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Internet-delivered behavior therapy based on exposure with response prevention for adults diagnosed with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the therapy or general psychological support over a 10-week period. The primary outcome will measure tic severity using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, while secondary outcomes will assess related impairments, quality of life, and symptoms of depression. The study aims to determine both immediate and long-term effects of the therapy on tic severity and overall well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder and a Total Tic Severity Score above specified thresholds.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing psychological treatment for Tourette syndrome or those with severe psychiatric comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce tic severity and improve quality of life for adults with Tourette syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with Internet-based behavioral therapies for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating Tourette syndrome.

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.

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

• Karolinska Institutet — Stockholm, Sweden (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ekaterina Ivanova, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
• Study coordinator: Ekaterina Ivanova, PhD

Conditions Tourette Syndrome; Chronic Tic Disorder