Randomised pilot study evaluating two group therapies for TS (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Group work for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS): A randomised pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a tic-specific behavioural intervention versus psycho-education in improving tic severity, quality of life and neuropsychological functioning (v1)
IRAS ID
126154
Contact name
Tara Murphy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Division of Research and Innovation, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
To compare the efficacy of group based Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) to a psycho-educational group treatment for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS), in terms of quality of life (QoL), tic severity and specific aspects of neuropsychological functioning (response inhibition, impulsivity and fine motor skill).
Design – Randomised, longitudinal single blind pilot study with parent groups run in parallel.
Method - 48 children aged 9 to 14 years with a chronic tic disorder to be assigned to either an HRT group (n=24; 12 per group) or a psycho-educational group (n=24; 12 per group). Recruitment will be from a specialist TS Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Assessments of outcome variables will be conducted pre- and post-intervention.
Expected findings - This study is very exploratory due to the limited evidence base in this area. We expect that HRT delivered in a group format will lead to significant tic reductions and associated improvements in QoL and neuropsychological functioning. It is likely that those in the psycho-educational group will also show improvements in QoL, but not a reduction in tics.
Implications – Exploring the differential efficacy of group programs for improving tic severity, QoL and key aspects of neuropsychological functioning could provide vital knowledge of what benefits can be expected from attending these groups, increase the number of treatment options available to families, increase the cost-effectiveness of treatment and possibly reduce waiting times to access treatments.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0511
Date of REC Opinion
24 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion