Rothman Center Research Opportunity

Ubicación

Many youth with a tic disorder experience distress about having tics and how others may perceive them. Such symptoms are often more impairing and distressing than are the tics, themselves, and negatively impact self-concept, functioning, and quality of life. Although pharmacological and behavioral treatments exist that target the frequency and severity of tics, no intervention has been developed that is specific to youth with tics that helps them cope with their condition and limit associated functional impairment and distress. There are two primary study objectives: First, to develop a well-specified cognitive-behaviorally oriented psychotherapy protocol that promotes adaptive coping and resiliency among youth with tics in addressing varied issues commonly experienced by this population. Second, to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized waitlist controlled trial in 20 youth with a tic disorder. This objective will position the research team to seek funding for a full trial that comprehensively investigates the efficacy of the Living with Tics psychotherapy protocol among youth with tics.
 
There will be two phases to this study:

• Phase I – Therapy development/manual writing and a small open trial; and
• Phase II – a small wait-list controlled pilot trial.

Briefly, Phase I will concentrate on developing the treatment protocol through a process that draws on expert opinion coupled with focus groups with parents and children with a tic disorder. Based on this, a preliminary manual developed by the investigators will be piloted in 8 youth with tics who meet relevant inclusion/exclusion criteria. Phase II will involve a preliminary test of the protocol in a sample of 20 youth.
 
This trial will focus primarily on feasibility issues (versus efficacy) in order to refine the manual, develop process measures to evaluate therapist competence and adherence to the manual, train evaluators in the assessment protocol, and develop data collection and data entry systems. Ten youth will be randomized to receive the active treatment protocol, while 10 will participate in a waitlist of an equivalent time period. Subjects will participate in assessments (Screening, Baseline, Post-Waitlist [if applicable], Post-treatment) conducted by a blinded, trained independent evaluator. This program has the potential to promote coping and resiliency among youth with a tic disorder to minimize the impact of their diagnosis on quality of life and functioning.
For more information about the study please contact  Nicole Caporino MS at  The Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry .