Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Update on Safety and Tolerability
Published on: October 7, 2017
Efficacy of therapist-supported online remote behavioral therapy for tic disorders: a systematic review and
Xiaolei Xu1, Kangsheng Zhu2, Weiyi Wang3
1School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang, China.
Introduction:
Recently, several studies about therapist-supported online remote behavioral therapy (TSORBT) have been showed effective for tic disorders (TD). With the increasing adoption of telemedicine, a systematic review of existing evidence is crucial to confirm the efficacy of TSORBT in treating TD.
Aim:
We aim to assess the efficacy of TSORBT on the treatment of TD.
Method:
This review followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase up to September 2024 for clinical trials on TSORBT's efficacy in TD. Two researchers independently screened studies, focusing on the Total Tic Severity Score of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS-TTSS) and other subscores of the YGTSS-motor tic score (YGTSS-MTS), YGTSS-vocal tic score (YGTSS -VTS), YGTSS-impairment score and Parent Tic Questionnaire (PTQ). Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. Data were analyzed in RevMan 5.4, with outcomes expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% CI.
Results:
In total, 2764 articles were identified for screening. Nine studies involving 1049 participants, with 527 assigned to the TSORBT and 522 to the control were included. TSORBT exhibited potential in addressing YGTSS-TTSS (MD = -2.22, 95% CI: [-3.16, -1.29], P<0.00001), YGTSS-MTS (MD = -2.17, 95% CI: [-3.39, -0.96], P=0.0004), YGTSS-impairment score (MD= -1.69, 95% CI: [-3.26, -0.12], P=0.03) and PTQ score (MD= -6.05, 95% CI: [-8.65, -3.44], P<0.00001);. Subgroup analyses revealed that TSORBT demonstrated nearly the same efficacy as face-to-face BT in addressing YGTSS-TTSS (MD = -0.38, 95% CI: [-3.20, 2.43], P=0.79), but more effective than online psychoeducation (MD = -2.37, 95% CI: [-3.64, -1.10], P = 0.0002).
Conclusion:
The current study demonstrates the promising therapeutic efficacy of TSORBT in TD. Further rigorously designed studies, particularly those assessing long-term treatment durability, are warranted to consolidate the evidence base.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...

