Development and Open Trial of a Psychosocial Intervention for Young Children With Chronic Tics: The CBIT-JR Study

The Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tic Disorders (CBIT) has demonstrated efficacy in large randomized controlled trials for children (≥9 yrs), adolescents and adults with Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorders. Given the early age of onset for tic disorders, a large portion of affected individuals with chronic tic disorders are less than 9 years of age and appropriate developmental adaptations of behavioral treatment have not yet been tested. The goal of this study was to adapt and evaluate the acceptability and utility of a family-based adaptation of CBIT for children under 9 years of age. Children 5-8 years of age (N = 15) with chronic tics were recruited from three study sites. CBIT was adapted for use with young children and included habit reversal strategies introduced in a developmentally appropriate game format and function-based interventions to reduce family accommodation of and attention to tic symptoms. Children and parents described high level of treatment satisfaction and study retention rate was 100%. Treatment response rate was 54% (CGI-I = 1 or 2) with a significant decrease in the YGTSS total score (Cohen's d = 0.73) that was largely maintained at 3-month and 1-year follow-up assessments. Treatment was associated with reduction of some symptoms of tic-related comorbid syndromes and with changes in parental accommodation and attention to tics. Future research should determine if parental attention to tics and symptom accommodation are important mediators of treatment outcome, or if participating in this intervention at a younger age may prevent the chronic course of tic symptoms.

The Implementation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for the Treatment of Tourette Syndrome and Disruptive Behavior

A diagnosis of Tourette syndrome (TS) can confer a plethora of negative outcomes including impaired psychosocial functioning, academic difficulties, disruptive behavior, and mood dysregulation. Further, children diagnosed with TS can engender immense amounts of burden and stress experienced by their caregivers which can put strain and tension on the parent–child relationship. Uncovering efficacious treatments for improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with TS and their families represents both a great challenge as well as a chief concern for professionals working with this population. The present case study describes the provision of parent–child interaction therapy for addressing behavioral problems in a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with TS. Results suggest improvements in child compliance, decreases in disruptive behaviors, and decreases in certain symptomatology associated with TS. Treatment implications for working with youth with TS are described in detail.

I’m Uncomfortable, You’re Uncomfortable, We’re Uncomfortable: An Integrative Family Approach to the Treatment of Tourette’s Disorder and Separation Anxiety Disorder in a Young Child

This case study follows a 6-year old Caucasian Hispanic male who presented with symptoms of Tourette’s disorder and separation anxiety disorder. Given the young age of the child, a critical focus was placed on parental involvement and parental mastery of the treatment components within an attachment-focused conceptualization as the foundation for all treatment delivery. To address all issues presented by the family of this young child, a behavioral treatment was utilized to target symptoms of Tourette’s disorder, and components of cognitive-behavioral therapy were used to address symptoms associated with separation anxiety disorder (in the young child). Further, components of an attachment-based parenting program, Circle of Security–Parenting, were inserted throughout treatment to keep this young child’s parents in tune with their relationship with their young child. Following completion of treatment, this young child displayed significant decreases in his symptoms across both disorders. Further, this young child and his parents demonstrated a mastery of treatment concepts and coping skills. The family reported both qualitative and quantitative improvements in the young child’s overall emotional and behavioral functioning. This study displayed the effectiveness of an integrative family-based approach in the treatment of a young child with symptoms of both Tourette’s disorder and separation anxiety disorder.

Manualized and Modular Behavior Therapy for a Child With Tourette’s Disorder, Inattention, and Disruptive Behavior

Persistent tic disorders (PTDs), including Tourette’s Disorder (TD), involve motor and/or vocal tics and often cause significant impairment and distress for affected individuals and families. Functional impairment is typically greater among individuals with PTDs and comorbid disorders. The current gold standard behavioral intervention for tic disorders, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), has demonstrated efficacy in randomized clinical trials. Complications introduced by comorbidities, however, potentially facilitate less optimal long-term outcomes using this treatment approach. This case study describes the implementation of CBIT and subsequent modularized parent training for an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with TD who also exhibited comorbid symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional behavior. Emphasis is placed on delineating treatment decisions, including the sequencing of specific techniques, in accord with algorithms for complicated PTD presentations discussed in the literature.

Training the brain: fact and fad in cognitive and behavioral remediation

Putatively safe and effective for improving cognitive performance in both health and disease, products purported to train the brain appeal to consumers and healthcare practitioners. In an increasingly health-centered society, these applications constitute a burgeoning commercial market. Sparse evidence coupled with lack of scientific rigor, however, leaves claims concerning the impact and duration of such brain training largely unsubstantiated. On the other hand, at least some scientific findings seem to support the effectiveness and sustainability of training for higher brain functions such as attention and working memory. In the present paper we provide a tectonic integration and synthesis of cognitive training approaches. Specifically, we sketch the relative merits and shortcomings of these programs, which often appeal to parents who must choose between side-effect-laden medication and other less conventional options. Here we examine how neuroplasticity allows the healthy as well the impaired to benefit from cognitive training programs. We evaluate the evidence and consider whether brain training can be a stand-alone treatment or an adjunct to pharmacotherapy, outline promising future prospects, and highlight what training outcomes are plausible in line with available data. Future research would determine whether the field of brain training realizes its potential to revolutionize education and rehabilitation or withers away engulfed in controversy.