IATS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Androgen Hypothesis in Tourette Syndrome
IRAS ID
122311
Contact name
Tammy Hedderly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's And St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
As we propose for autism, there may be a strong link between androgen exposure during pregnancy and development of Tourette spectrum (TS) in the offspring (‘androgen hypothesis’). Early support for the ‘androgen hypothesis’ comes from the fact that more males have TS than females (4/1).
Reliably measuring fetal testosterone exposure during pregnancy is extremely difficult. Therefore, researchers have started to look at markers from the body for this testosterone exposure. Finger-ratio is considered such a measure as males have a lower 2nd:4th digit ratio compared to females, and this is thought to be likely due to effects of testosterone on bone growth.
Empathy is also considered to be different in males and females as females show higher levels of empathy, both cognitive and affective. Testosterone is thought a likely candidate among other for this. Another behavioural trait shown to differ between sexes is play-style as males tend to show a more ‘rough-and-tumble’ style of play, choose to play with male play-mates and manifest a preference for masculine toys.
Albeit limited, preliminary evidence suggests more masculine play styles and higher discontent of gender in females with TS, although this was based on retrospective reports from young adults, and has never been verified in paediatric cohorts.
Interestingly, in adults with TS, empathy has been reported to be normal, however no study has assessed this in children.
This study will recruit Caucasian male and female participants aged five years and above. Their participation in the study will stop after a right hand photocopy, and if old enough will complete empathy and play style questionnaire. Their parents will also complete measures on their child’s play-style, empathy and demographics.
Currently, not many drugs are highly effective against TS. Research linking TS to androgens could open up a different medication angle for drugs to reduce tics.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0879
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion