Modified Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics: Treating Children With Tic Disorders, Co-Occurring ADHD, and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Chronic tic disorders (CTDs) often co-occur with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), leading to significant psychosocial impairment.
• Comprehensive behavioral interventions for tics (CBIT) are established treatments, but modifications targeting co-occurring conditions may enhance outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a modified CBIT (MCBIT) for youth with CTDs and co-occurring ADHD.
• To compare MCBIT with traditional CBIT in terms of tic severity, ADHD symptoms, and tic-related impairment.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen youth (ages 10-17) with CTD and ADHD were randomized to MCBIT or CBIT.
• Both groups received 10 weekly sessions and 2 biweekly relapse prevention sessions.
• Feasibility, acceptability, tic severity, ADHD symptoms, and impairment were evaluated.

Main Results:

• High acceptability and completion rates (16/17 participants) were observed in both groups.
• Both MCBIT and CBIT groups demonstrated significant reductions in tic severity, ADHD symptoms, and tic-related impairment.
• No significant differences in outcomes were found between the MCBIT and CBIT groups.

Conclusions:

• MCBIT is a feasible and acceptable treatment for youth with CTD and ADHD, comparable to traditional CBIT.
• While MCBIT shows promise, it was not superior to CBIT in this study.
• Further research into novel behavioral approaches targeting tics and co-occurring conditions simultaneously is recommended.