Developing Cognitive Training for Tourette Syndrome
Condition: Tourette Syndrome; Chronic Tic Disorders
MeSH terms: Tourette Syndrome; Tic Disorders; Tics; Syndrome
Study type: Interventional
Phase: Phase 1

Summary: 
      Many researchers suspect that individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) may have a poor
      cognitive ability (i.e., response inhibition; RI) that is essential to inhibit inappropriate
      response such as vocal or motor tics. The investigators aim to test whether a
      well-established behavior therapy for TS can be improved by increasing the individual's RI
      capabilities. To this end, 20 children will be randomly assigned to behavior therapy with
      computer-based RI training or behavior therapy with placebo computer-based cognitive
      training. The investigators will test the hypothesis that computer-based RI training can be a
      useful addition to the well-established behavior therapy to enhance its therapeutic effect.
    

Detailed description: 
      The current research seeks to examine the feasibility of using a computer-based RI training
      program as an adjunctive intervention for the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics
      (CBIT). Our central hypothesis is that cognitive training designed to enhance RI will
      potentiate treatment outcomes of CBIT. To this end, the investigators will conduct a two-arm
      placebo-controlled double-blind trial, in which 20 children with TS will be randomly assigned
      to CBIT with computerized RI training (CBIT+RIT; n=10) or CBIT with placebo computer training
      (CBIT +PLT; n=10). CBIT consists of eight weekly sessions that present awareness training,
      competing response training, relaxation training and functional contingency management in a
      manualized format. The adjunctive computer training (RIT or PLT) will be delivered during the
      first 4 weeks of CBIT/HRT (i.e. 8 twice-weekly 40-min sessions). Tic symptoms and RI
      capabilities will be assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 1 month
      follow-up. This project is expected to increase our understanding about the nature of
      response inhibition deficits in TS and generate knowledge that will guide the development of
      effective cognitive interventions for TS.
    

Intervention name(s): Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT); Computerized Response Inhibition Training; Computerized Placebo Cognitive Training
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): CBIT is an 8 session treatment protocol held over 10 weeks. Its core components are implemented across the various therapy sessions. These core components include habit reversal training (HRT), functional assessment/function-based interventions, and a behavioral reward program for the child.; Twice-weekly 45 minute computerized sessions for cognitive training focused on enhancing response inhibition capabilities.; Twice-weekly 45 minute computerized sessions for placebo cognitive training, which has been designed to be irrelevant for response inhibition capabilities.
Other intervention name(s): Habit Reversal for Tourette Syndrome
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple (Participant, Care Provider, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: tic disorder; tourette syndrome; habit reversal; response inhibition; cognitive retraining