Understanding the experiences of adolescents with tic disorders

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 observational study aims to explore the sensorimotor and psychosocial experiences of adolescents diagnosed with tic disorders, including Tourette syndrome. Over the course of two years, participants will attend four visits, where they will undergo interviews and complete various questionnaires assessing their tics, sensory experiences, coordination, and mental health. The first two visits will occur within 30 days of each other, with follow-up visits scheduled two years later. The study seeks to gather comprehensive data to inform future treatment approaches for tic disorders.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

* Inclusion criteria for adolescents with tic disorder:

  * adolescent age 11-17 years of age
  * adolescent diagnosis of chronic tic disorder (Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorder, chronic vocal tic disorder)
  * English-speaking adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy (as validated questionnaires are in English)
  * adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy willingness and ability to complete relevant questionnaires
* Exclusion criteria for for adolescents with tic disorder:

  * cognitive or attentional impairment precluding ability of adolescent or caregiver/adult proxy to complete questionnaires and other study measures
  * adolescent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychotic disorder
  * adolescent diagnosis of pervasive genetic disorder besides chronic tic disorders and their known comorbidities
  * adolescent with severe medical conditions unrelated to chronic tic disorders (e.g. uncontrolled seizures, prominent heart conditions)
  * other variables that might influence ratings outside of the typical presentation of chronic tic disorders
* Additional exclusion criteria for EEG tasks for chronic tic disorder sample\*\*

  * adolescent treatment with stimulant medications or anti-seizure medications within the past 30 days
  * use of marijuana or recreational substances within the past 30 days
  * history of seizure
  * history of hearing loss or abnormalities
  * history of neuropathy or overt sensory deficit
  * history of brain surgery or skull-penetrating/deforming trauma
  * history of stroke, brain cancer, or other significant neurologic illness/disorder \*\* Individuals excluded based on these criteria are ineligible for the EEG portion of the study but can complete the remainder of the study measures.
* Inclusion criteria for control (neurotypical adolescent) participants

  * adolescent age 11-17 years of age
  * English-speaking adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy (as validated questionnaires are in English)
  * adolescent and caregiver/adult proxy willingness and ability to complete relevant questionnaires
* Exclusion criteria for control sample

  * history of tics, ADHD, OCD, or other significant neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorder.

    \*\* Note: adolescents with history of mood or anxiety disorder are eligible.
  * cognitive or attentional impairment precluding ability of adolescent or caregiver/adult proxy to complete questionnaires and other study measures
  * adolescent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychotic disorder
  * adolescent diagnosis of pervasive genetic disorder
  * adolescent with severe medical conditions (e.g. uncontrolled seizures, prominent heart conditions)
  * other variables that might influence ratings
* Additional exclusion criteria for EEG tasks for control sample\*

  * adolescent treatment with stimulant medications or anti-seizure medications within the past 30 days
  * use of marijuana or recreational substances within the past 30 days
  * history of seizure
  * history of hearing loss or abnormalities
  * history of neuropathy or overt sensory deficit
  * history of brain surgery or skull-penetrating/deforming trauma
  * history of stroke, brain cancer, or other significant neurologic illness/disorder

Where it's running

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  Nashvile, Tennessee, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David Isaacs, MD, MPH — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Michelle Clinical Translational Research Coordinator II
• Email: michelle.r.eckland.1@vumc.org
• Phone: 615-875-7394

Similar studies

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

• Tics and Tourette's: Accelerated TBS rTMS in Teens and Adults

  This study tests whether a short, intensive course of inhibitory theta burst stimulation can help reduce tic symptoms in teens and young adults with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, California · NCT07839377

• Nature- and activity-based group programs for neurodivergent children and youth in Agder

  This project will try outdoor and activity-based group programs to see if they help children and teens with ADHD, autism, Tourette's, and related neurodivergent challenges feel better, gain confidence, and do better in daily life.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Sorlandet Hospital HF · Kristiansand, Agder and 1 other locations · NCT07203469

• Study of brain activity in patients with Tourette Syndrome

  This study is testing how brain activity changes in adults with severe Tourette Syndrome who are getting deep brain stimulation to better understand their tics.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Bordeaux · Bordeaux · NCT06909656

• Personalized deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome

  This study is testing if personalized deep brain stimulation can help people with Tourette syndrome reduce their tics and improve related issues like anxiety and attention problems.

  Recruiting Beijing Tiantan Hospital · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT06889480

• Cognitive-psychophysiological therapy, with or without biofeedback, for tics in young people with Tourette's

  This project tests whether adding biofeedback to cognitive-psychophysiological therapy helps reduce tics in 14–21-year-olds with Tourette's.

  Recruiting Université du Québec a Montréal · Montreal, Quebec · NCT06873841

• Personalized neurostimulation for Tourette's Syndrome

  This study is testing a personalized brain stimulation treatment for adults with Tourette's Syndrome who haven't found relief from other therapies to see if it can help reduce their severe tics.

  Recruiting Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · Beijing · NCT06785532

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.