Review of habit reversal training for tic disorders

Tic disorders (TD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often first recognized in children and adolescents and is characterized mainly by motor and phonic tics. Drug treatment of TD has been criticized because of serious side effects, and TD treatment emphasizes behavioral psychotherapy. This study reviewed the most common behavioral psychotherapy for TD: habit reversal training (HRT). We examined the contents, variation, curative effects, and premonitory urge control of HRT and other behavioral psychotherapies. The findings suggest that current understanding of HRT is insufficient and further studies are needed. First, studies of online guidance training are needed to implement technology that can help more patients. Second, the future integration of HRT and other technologies is important. Third, imaging techniques could be used to further explore the brain mechanisms underlying HRT. Research on HRT for TD in China is insufficient. We call on more Chinese researchers to study, investigate, and develop technology to promote the development of behavioral psychotherapy for TD in China.