Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Tourette Syndrome in Children

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study explores how neuroactive steroids may contribute to Tourette syndrome in children aged 8 to 12. Researchers will examine hormone-related mechanisms, focusing on sex differences and stress sensitivity, and how these steroids affect tic suppression tasks. The trial involves a tic suppression task to probe tic control under different neuroendocrine conditions and is conducted at the University of Utah with collaborators from the University of Miami and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers and targets for future therapies. Participants will be assessed for eligibility, with careful exclusion of comorbid psychiatric or endocrinological conditions that could confound results.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnostic criteria of TS for cases (and lack of any tic disorders for controls)
* Age between 8 and 12 years old (this age range is to ensure that TS participants can perform the tic suppression task)
* confirmation of sexual development by parent and/or self-reported Tanner stage of pubic hair development.

Exclusion Criteria:

* major psychiatric disorders such as a psychotic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder;
* other neurological disorders;
* clinically significant endocrinological disorders;
* use of therapies that can modify hormonal profile;
* pharmacotherapies that may change stress sensitivity, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics.

Where it's running

• University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marco Bortolato, MD PhD — University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Marco Bortolato, MD PhD
• Email: marco.bortolato@utah.edu
• Phone: 8015873352

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Understanding premonitory urges during tic treatment with Habit Reversal Training

  This study is testing how kids and teens with Tourette Disorder experience changes in their urges to tic while they try a treatment called Habit Reversal Training.

  Recruiting University of Utah · Salt Lake City, Utah · NCT06825520

• Comparing Sertraline and Placebo for Treating Anxiety in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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  Recruiting at 6 sites Phase 2 Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital · Calgary, Alberta and 6 other locations · NCT06081348

• Investigating MRI findings in children with Tourette syndrome

  This study is trying to see if brain scans can show differences in brain activity and connections in children with Tourette syndrome and chronic tics to better understand these conditions.

  Recruiting National Taiwan University Hospital · Taipei · NCT05566496

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.