Mindfulness intervention for managing tics in Tourette syndrome
Remote Delivery of a Mindfulness-based Intervention for Tics
NA · Johns Hopkins University · NCT06408662
This study is testing a mindfulness program to see if it can help adults with Tourette syndrome manage their tics better than traditional therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06408662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research compares a mindfulness-based intervention for tics (MBIT) with psychoeducation and supportive therapy (PRST) for individuals diagnosed with Tourette syndrome and persistent tic disorders. The study aims to address the significant distress and impairment caused by tics and associated mental health conditions. Participants will be adults aged 18 and older who meet specific diagnostic criteria and have moderate tic severity. The goal is to improve treatment accessibility and efficacy for adults with Tourette syndrome, particularly those who do not respond to existing behavioral therapies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome or a persistent tic disorder and moderate tic severity.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions requiring immediate care or those currently engaged in psychotherapy for tic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a new, effective treatment option for adults with Tourette syndrome, potentially reducing tic severity and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness-based interventions are gaining traction, this specific approach for Tourette syndrome is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. be ≥18 years of age; 2. meet diagnostic criteria for a primary or co-primary diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or a Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder on a structured clinical interview; 3. have moderate or greater tic severity as evidenced by a YGTSS Total Tic Score of \>14 (when motor and vocal tics are present) or \>10 (when only motor or vocal tics are present); 4. be medication free and/or on a stable dose of psychiatric medication 8 weeks prior to study participation; 5. be not engaged in psychotherapy for non-TS conditions and/or be on a stable course of therapy for 6 months prior to study participation 6. be fluent in English; 7. have access to a smart phone and/or tablet. Exclusion Criteria: 1. a current diagnosis of substance use disorder, psychosis, mania or another condition that requires another form of care; 2. severe current suicidal/homicidal ideation and/or self-injury requiring medical intervention; 3. concurrent psychotherapy for TS; 4. prior extensive experience with mindfulness and/or meditation.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph F McGuire, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lauren Browning
- Email: mbit@jh.edu
- Phone: 443-300-8836
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Tourette Syndrome, Tourette's Disorder, Chronic Motor Tic Disorder, Chronic Vocal Tic Disorder, Persistent Motor Tic Disorder, Persistent Vocal Tic Disorder, Persistent Tic Disorder, Tic Disorders