Understanding the experiences of adolescents with tic disorders

Sensorimotor and Psychosocial Trajectories in Adolescents With Tic Disorder

Observational Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06576726

This study looks at the experiences of teenagers with tic disorders to see how their tics and other feelings affect their daily lives and mental health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment351 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashvile, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT06576726 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 11-17 years who have a diagnosis of chronic tic disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorder, or severe unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of tic disorders, enhancing the quality of life for affected adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on tic disorders, this specific approach focusing on sensorimotor and psychosocial trajectories is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* 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 this trial is running

Nashvile, Tennessee

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 SyndromeTic DisorderTourette syndrometic disordersensorimotorsensorymotorsensory over-responsivity
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.