Understanding stigma in children and young adults with Tourette Syndrome

Measuring Stigmatization in Chronic Tic Disorders: Development and Validation of the Tourette Discrimination-Stigmatization (TD-STIGMA) Scale

Observational Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05696769

This study looks at the challenges of stigma and discrimination that kids and young adults with Tourette Syndrome face to help create a new tool for understanding these issues better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment135 (estimated)
Ages8 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05696769 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the challenges of stigmatization and discrimination faced by children and young adults with Chronic Tic Disorders, including Tourette Syndrome. It will involve in-depth qualitative interviews with stakeholders to gather narrative and thematic content data. Based on these insights, a novel stigma scale will be developed using the Delphi Method, followed by preliminary analyses of the scale's psychometric properties to ensure its effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and young adults aged 8-30 with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Tic Disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speaking or have a diagnosis of intellectual disability or psychosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and measurement of stigma, ultimately informing better support and interventions for individuals with Tourette Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While stigma related to chronic conditions has been studied, this specific approach to measuring stigma in Chronic Tic Disorders is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

CTD Cohort

1. Physician-confirmed diagnosis of CTD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria
2. 8-30 years old.

Parent/caregivers, supporters, medical providers, advocate cohort (s)

1. Involved in the care of a child, youth or young adult with CTD
2. The known person with CTD has had tics for more than a year at the time of screening

Exclusion Criteria:

CTD Cohort

Exclusion criteria:

1. Non-English speaking
2. Diagnosis of intellectual disability
3. Diagnosis of psychosis
4. Any other condition that, in the Principle Investigator's opinion, would limit the participant's (or parent's) ability to understand study measures.

Parent/caregivers, supporters, medical providers, advocate cohort (s)

1) The known person with CTD has an intellectual disability or diagnosis of psychosis

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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 SyndromeTourette Syndrome in ChildrenTourette Syndrome in AdolescenceTic Disorder, ChildhoodTicsStigma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.