TicHelper: A Computerized Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
Condition: Tourette's Disorder; Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
MeSH terms: Tics; Tic Disorders; Tourette Syndrome
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Tic Disorders (including Tourette Disorder) are relatively common in school-age children and
      for some children can lead to significant psychosocial and physical impairment and diminished
      quality of life. Non-pharmacological treatments have been shown to be effective for reducing
      tics in some children. These treatment options are desired by parents, but are not widely
      available. The investigators recently developed an online, computerized, self-administered
      version of CBIT called TicHelper.com. The current study will test the efficacy of
      TicHelper.com in a randomized clinical trial.
    

Detailed description: 
      Effective non-pharmacological treatment options such as comprehensive behavioral intervention
      for tics (CBIT) have been shown to be effective for reducing tics in some children with
      chronic tic disorders, including Tourette's disorder. Although effective, many parents and
      children do not have access to a provider trained in these therapies and practical barriers
      such as travel and high costs for ongoing therapy limit treatment dissemination and
      utilization.The investigators recently developed an online, computerized, self-administered
      version of CBIT called TicHelper.com. This program is an 8-week online program designed to
      teach children and families empirically-supported tic management skills. The current study
      will test the efficacy of TicHelper.com in a randomized clinical trial in which 64 children
      with Tourette's Disorder or a persistent (chronic) tic disorder will be randomly assigned to
      8-weeks of TicHelper.com (N=32) or an 8-week internet resource control condition (N=32). Tic
      symptoms will be assessed by a condition-blind independent evaluator at baseline,
      post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Information regarding patient acceptability of the
      program will also be collected. This project will test whether TicHelper.com is an
      efficacious and acceptable way to teach tic-management skills for children with tics.
    

Intervention name(s): TicHelper; Internet Based Resources
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Other
Intervention description(s): TicHelper.com is an 8-week online program designed to teach tic management skills. Content and activities included in TicHelper.com are based on existing empirically-supported treatments including Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). TicHelper.com is designed to teach tic management skills including psychoeducation, relaxation training, awareness training, competing response training, and social support. It is also designed to teach patients/parents to recognize and reduce tic-exacerbating reactions and activities.; The Internet-Based Resources (IBR) condition is designed to provide patients/parents with access to a wide range of educational materials. These materials contain up-to-date information regarding what is known about tic disorders and their management. Materials covering medical, educational, and behavioral/psychological topics are provided.
Other intervention name(s): Habit Reversal Training; Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Tic Disorder; Tourette; Motor tic; Vocal tic; Habit reversal training; CBIT; TicHelper; Behavior Therapy