TIC-NET

Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic motor or vocal tic disorders (CTD) typically begin in childhood but can persist into adulthood, significantly impacting daily life, education, and overall well-being through repetitive movements or sounds known as tics. Traditionally, treatment options include antipsychotic medications, which come with substantial side effects, and behavioral therapy (BT), which helps individuals manage their tics through learned techniques. However, access to BT is often limited due to a shortage of trained therapists, and offering BT online presents a promising alternative.

Our team has recently piloted an Internet-based behavioral therapy (I-BT) for adults with TS and CTD, with encouraging results showing a significant reduction in tic severity and confirming the treatment’s feasibility and safety. Building on these findings, we are now conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare I-BT against Internet-based general psychological support without BT components. The primary goal of this trial is to assess the reduction in TS/CTD symptoms using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale – Total Tic Severity subscale, while secondary outcomes will evaluate symptom impairment and overall severity and improvement. This study aims to provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for those affected by these challenging conditions.

Group members involved in the project