Clinical effectiveness and patient perspectives of different treatment strategies for tics in children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome: a systematic review and qualitative analysis

Common pitfalls, and how to avoid them, in child and adolescent psychopharmacology: Part I

As Faculty of the British Association for Psychopharmacology course on child and adolescent psychopharmacology, we present here what we deem are the most common pitfalls, and how to avoid them, in child and adolescent psychopharmacology. In this paper, we specifically addressed common pitfalls in the pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders, and tic disorder. Pitfalls in the treatment of other disorders are addressed in a separate paper (part II).

A qualitative study of Chinese parental perspectives on the causes of Tourette syndrome in children

Parents' beliefs and attitudes toward their children with Tourette syndrome (TS) influence treatment-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to explore and describe the Chinese parents' perspectives on the causes of TS for their children. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with the parents of TS patients from a children's hospital in western China from June to July 2021, and thematic analysis was performed to transcribe interviews and identify themes. A total of 13 participants were interviewed in this study. Five themes were developed in relation to the cognition of the causes of TS in parents, including physical problems, parenting and education problems, mental problems, bad habits, and neurological problems. Due to the insufficient awareness of TS, most parents repeatedly seek medical advice that they regarded the symptoms as physical problems or neurological problems. They generally felt guilty and blamed themselves for their parenting styles and education methods. And some parents attributed it to the poor psychological quality or the bad habits of children. Study findings showed a lack of scientific understanding of the causes of TS among parents further hindered the timely effective treatment for patients and affected the family relationships, which highlights the importance of public education and raising awareness of the disease.

Applying an Established Exposure Response Prevention Protocol for Young People With Tourette Syndrome in an Intensive, Group Format: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

The motor and vocal tics that characterise Tourette syndrome are stigmatizing and impact on quality of life. Behavioural interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention or Comprehensive Behavioural Interventions for Tics are first line treatment for Tourette syndrome, but availability is limited. This study is the first to explore the impact of an established manualised Exposure Response Prevention treatment protocol, developed for individual therapy, but here uniquely delivered intensively, to a group.

METHODS

A naturalistic study comprised of a consecutive series of children (N = 20), aged 8-16 years (M = 12, SD = 2.17) were offered Exposure Response Prevention in one of two groups, delivered in series within a specialist clinic. Young people received the equivalent of 12 sessions (matching the manualised individual protocol).

RESULTS

The YGTSS and Giles de la Tourette Syndrome Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents (Satisfaction Scale) showed significant improvement following treatment with moderate to large effect sizes. Thirty-five percent of children demonstrated a reliable improvement on the YGTSS Global Tic Severity score.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest an established Exposure Response Prevention protocol can be delivered in an intensive, group setting with a positive clinical outcome. Replication in a randomized controlled trial is an important next step.

Psychosocial experiences in youth with Tourette syndrome: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Suffering from Tourette syndrome (TS) disrupts the daily lives and interpersonal relationships of patients. The psychosocial experiences of young people with TS are not yet clear. The aim of the systematic review is to identify and synthesize the psychosocial experiences of young people with TS. A meta-synthesis was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services databases were searched for articles published from their inception to February 2023. This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's Guidelines for Systematic Reviews according to a previously developed protocol. We used the confidence of synthesized qualitative findings (ConQual) approach to evaluate the credibility and dependability of the synthesized findings. This review included 12 qualitative studies from Western and Asian countries published between 2005 and 2019, representing 190 young people with TS. We identified five synthesized findings: affliction by intractable TS, TS was negatively perceived in the social and cultural context, self-adjustment in response to social interaction, response to receiving various interventions, and positivity in promoting self-acceptance. The ConQual grade for each generated synthesized finding ranged from low to moderate. The psychosocial experiences of youths living with TS are unique and are influenced by their interpersonal relationships, social context, and cultural framework. The findings recommend that healthcare providers assist young people in developing personalized symptom management strategies and provide guidance and care that meets the needs of each individual.

Co-Occurring Anxiety in Youth with Tic Disorders: A Review

Objective: To review the current state of the literature regarding anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders in chronic tic disorder (CTD). Results: We conducted a literature search on anxiety and tic disorders. Anxiety symptoms and anxiety disorders are common in youth with CTD, with ∼30%-50% of youth with CTD having at least one co-occurring anxiety disorder. Tics often improve by young adulthood but anxiety symptoms tend to persist, or worsen, over time. Anxiety and tics are closely related, but the exact nature of their relationship is poorly understood. We discuss some potential ways in which anxiety and tics are linked with an emphasis on the underlying brain circuitry involved. The relationship between anxiety and tics may be related to the premonitory urge. In addition, stress hormones may link anxiety and tics. Individuals with CTD have greater activation of their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in response to acute stress. We also review the impact of anxiety on youth with CTD and approaches to management of anxiety in youth. Conclusions: Anxiety is common in youth with CTD, is associated with more severe CTD, and can adversely affect a child's function. Thus, it is important to identify anxiety disorders in CTD and manage them appropriately.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on tic symptoms in children and young people: a prospective cohort study

To understand how children and young people with tic disorders were affected by COVID-19, we compared pre and during pandemic scores on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). Participants were young people (N = 112; male:78%; 9-17 years) randomised to the control arm of the "ORBIT-Trial" (ISRCTN70758207, ClinicalTrials.gov-NCT03483493). For this analysis, the control arm was split into two groups: one group was followed up to 12-months' post-randomisation before the pandemic started (pre-COVID group, n = 44); the other group was impacted by the pandemic at the 12-month follow-up (during-COVID group, n = 47). Mixed effects linear regression modelling was conducted to explore differences in YGTSS at 6- and 12-months post-randomisation. There were no significant differences in tic symptom or severity between participants who were assessed before and during COVID-19. This finding was not influenced by age, gender, symptoms of anxiety or autism spectrum disorder. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact existing tic symptoms.

Online remote behavioural intervention for tics in 9- to 17-year-olds: the ORBIT RCT with embedded process and economic evaluation

Background

Behavioural therapy for tics is difficult to access, and little is known about its effectiveness when delivered online.

Objective

To investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an online-delivered, therapist- and parent-supported therapy for young people with tic disorders.

Design

Single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial, with 3-month (primary end point) and 6-month post-randomisation follow-up. Participants were individually randomised (1 : 1), using on online system, with block randomisations, stratified by site. Naturalistic follow-up was conducted at 12 and 18 months post-randomisation when participants were free to access non-trial interventions. A subset of participants participated in a process evaluation.

Setting

Two hospitals (London and Nottingham) in England also accepting referrals from patient identification centres and online self-referrals.

Participants

Children aged 9-17 years (1) with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder, (2) with a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-total tic severity score of 15 or more (or > 10 with only motor or vocal tics) and (3) having not received behavioural therapy for tics in the past 12 months or started/stopped medication for tics within the past 2 months.

Interventions

Either 10 weeks of online, remotely delivered, therapist-supported exposure and response prevention therapy (intervention group) or online psychoeducation (control).

Outcome

Primary outcome: Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-total tic severity score 3 months post-randomisation; analysis done in all randomised patients for whom data were available. Secondary outcomes included low mood, anxiety, treatment satisfaction and health resource use. Quality-adjusted life-years are derived from parent-completed quality-of-life measures. All trial staff, statisticians and the chief investigator were masked to group allocation.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-four participants were randomised to the intervention (n = 112) or control (n = 112) group. Participants were mostly male (n = 177; 79%), with a mean age of 12 years. At 3 months the estimated mean difference in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-total tic severity score between the groups adjusted for baseline and site was -2.29 points (95% confidence interval -3.86 to -0.71) in favour of therapy (effect size -0.31, 95% confidence interval -0.52 to -0.10). This effect was sustained throughout to the final follow-up at 18 months (-2.01 points, 95% confidence interval -3.86 to -0.15; effect size -0.27, 95% confidence interval -0.52 to -0.02). At 18 months the mean incremental cost per participant of the intervention compared to the control was £662 (95% confidence interval -£59 to £1384), with a mean incremental quality-adjusted life-year of 0.040 (95% confidence interval -0.004 to 0.083) per participant. The mean incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained was £16,708. The intervention was acceptable and delivered with high fidelity. Parental engagement predicted child engagement and more positive clinical outcomes.

Harms

Two serious, unrelated adverse events occurred in the control group.

Limitations

We cannot separate the effects of digital online delivery and the therapy itself. The sample was predominately white and British, limiting generalisability. The design did not compare to face-to-face services.

Conclusion

Online, therapist-supported behavioural therapy for young people with tic disorders is clinically and cost-effective in reducing tics, with durable benefits extending up to 18 months.

Future work

Future work should compare online to face-to-face therapy and explore how to embed the intervention in clinical practice.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as ISRCTN70758207; ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03483493). The trial is now complete.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Technology Assessment programme (project number 16/19/02) and will be published in full in Health and Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 18. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

A double-blind, sham-controlled, trial of home-administered rhythmic 10-Hz median nerve stimulation for the reduction of tics, and suppression of the urge-to-tic, in individuals with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder

Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) are neurological disorders of childhood onset characterized by the occurrence of tics; repetitive, purposeless, movements or vocalizations of short duration which can occur many times throughout a day. Currently, effective treatment for tic disorders is an area of considerable unmet clinical need. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a home-administered neuromodulation treatment for tics involving the delivery of rhythmic pulse trains of median nerve stimulation (MNS) delivered via a wearable 'watch-like' device worn at the wrist. We conducted a UK-wide parallel double-blind sham-controlled trial for the reduction of tics in individuals with tic disorder. The device was programmed to deliver rhythmic (10 Hz) trains of low-intensity (1-19 mA) electrical stimulation to the median nerve for a pre-determined duration each day, and was intended to be used by each participant in their home once each day, 5 days each week, for a period of 4 weeks. Between 18th March 2022 and 26th September 2022, 135 participants (45 per group) were initially allocated, using stratified randomization, to one of the following groups; active stimulation; sham stimulation or to a waitlist (i.e. treatment as usual) control group. Recruited participants were individuals with confirmed or suspected TS/CTD aged 12 years of age or upward with moderate to severe tics. Researchers involved in the collection or processing of measurement outcomes and assessing the outcomes, as well as participants in the active and sham groups and their legal guardians were all blind to the group allocation. The primary outcome measure used to assess the 'offline' or treatment effect of stimulation was the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Severity Score (YGTSS-TTSS) assessed at the conclusion of 4 weeks of stimulation. The primary outcome measure used to assess the 'online' effects of stimulation was tic frequency, measured as the number of tics per minute (TPM) observed, based upon blind analysis of daily video recordings obtained while stimulation was delivered. The results demonstrated that after 4-week stimulation, tic severity (YGTSS-TTSS) had reduced by 7.1 points (35 percentile reduction) for the active stimulation group compared to 2.13/2.11 points for the sham stimulation and waitlist control groups. The reduction in YGTSS-TTSS for the active stimulation group was substantially larger, clinically meaningful (effect size = .5) and statistically significant (p = .02) compared to both the sham stimulation and waitlist control groups, which did not differ from one another (effect size = -.03). Furthermore, blind analyses of video recordings demonstrated that tic frequency (tics per minute) reduced substantially (-15.6 TPM) during active stimulation compared to sham stimulation (-7.7 TPM). This difference represents a statistically significant (p < .03) and clinically meaningful reduction in tic frequency (>25 percentile reduction: effect size = .3). These findings indicate that home-administered rhythmic MNS delivered through a wearable wrist-worn device has the potential to be an effective community-based treatment for tic disorders.

Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Deutetrabenazine Use in Children and Adolescents with Tics Associated with Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Extension Study

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of deutetrabenazine (Teva Neuroscience, Inc, Parsippany, NJ), a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, in children and adolescents with TS.

Methods

Alternatives for Reducing Tics in TS (ARTISTS) open-label extension (OLE) (NCT03567291) was a 54-week, global, phase 3, open-label extension study of deutetrabenazine (6-48 mg daily) conducted May 28, 2018 to April 3, 2020 with a 2-week randomized withdrawal period. Participants (6-16 years of age) had TS and active tics causing distress or impairment. Safety (primary outcome) was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and clinical laboratory testing. Efficacy was measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Score (YGTSS-TTS).

Results

The intent-to-treat population (228 participants; mean age, 12.0 years; 79.8% male; 86.4% white) had a median (range) duration of exposure of 28.4 (0.3-52.9) weeks. Of 227 participants in the safety analysis, 161 (70.9%) reported ≥1 TEAE (exposure-adjusted incidence rate, 2.77/patient-year), of which 95 (41.9%) were treatment related. The most frequently reported TEAEs were headaches, somnolence, nasopharyngitis, weight increases, and anxiety. No additional safety signals were observed. Worsening of YGTSS-TTS after the 2-week randomized withdrawal was not statistically significant (least squares mean difference, -0.4; P = 0.78). Several exploratory measures showed sustained improvement throughout the treatment periods.

Conclusions

In this long-term, open-label trial, deutetrabenazine was well tolerated with low frequency of TEAEs. There was no significant difference in tics between treatment arms during the 2-week randomized withdrawal period, however, descriptive statistics and comparison with baseline showed a numeric improvement in tics, quality of life, and other measures.

Teacher Knowledge of Tourette Syndrome and Associated Factors

BACKGROUND

TS is associated with learning disabilities and educational impairment. Teacher knowledge about TS may have a positive impact on students with TS, but factors associated with teacher knowledge of TS are not known.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, teachers of youth with TS and of a community control group completed a Teacher Understanding of Tourette Syndrome Survey (TUTS), a pilot questionnaire enquiring about self-perceived understanding, teacher knowledge, and sources of information. We compared TUTS scores between TS and control groups and between those who did and did not use specific sources of information about TS using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Bivariate correlation analyses were used to evaluate associations between teacher knowledge and potential contributing factors.

RESULTS

Data from 114 teachers of children with TS and 78 teachers of control subjects were included. Teachers of youth with TS had significantly more knowledge, had higher self-perceived understanding, and used more sources of information than teachers of the control group. Teachers who knew of the Tourette Association of America and who gathered information themselves had higher knowledge about TS than those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Teachers of children with TS know more about TS and use more sources to learn about TS than teachers of children without TS.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence of tics in children and young people: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, clinicians have reported an increase in presentations of sudden and new onset tics particularly affecting teenage girls. This population-based study aimed to describe and compare the incidence of tics in children and young people in primary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in England.

METHODS

We used information from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum dataset and included males and females aged 4-11 years and 12-18 years between Jan 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2021. We grouped the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019) and presented the pandemic years (2020, 2021) separately. We described the characteristics of children and young people with a first record of a motor or vocal tic in each time period. Incidence rates of tics by age-sex groups in 2015-2019, 2020, and 2021 were calculated. Negative binomial regression models were used to calculate incidence rate ratios.

FINDINGS

We included 3,867,709 males and females aged 4-18 years. Over 14,734,062 person-years of follow-up, 11,245 people had a first tic record during the whole study period. The characteristics of people with tics differed over time, with the proportion of females aged 12-18 years and the proportion with mental health conditions including anxiety increasing during the pandemic. Tic incidence rates per 10,000 person-years were highest for 4-11-year-old males in all three time periods (13.4 [95% confidence interval 13.0-13.8] in 2015-2019; 13.2 [12.3-14.1] in 2020; 15.1 [14.1-16.1] in 2021) but increased markedly during the pandemic in 12-18-year-old females, from 2.5 (2.3-2.7) in 2015-2019, to 10.3 (9.5-11.3) in 2020 and 13.1 (12.1-14.1) in 2021. There were smaller increases in incidence rates in 12-18-year-old males (4.6 [4.4-4.9] in 2015-2019; 4.7 [4.1-5.3] in 2020; 6.2 [5.5-6.9] in 2021) and 4-11-year-old females (4.9 [4.7-5.2] in 2015-2019; 5.7 [5.1-6.4] in 2020; 7.6 [6.9-8.3] in 2021). Incidence rate ratios comparing 2020 and 2021 with 2015-2019 were highest in the 12-18-year-old female subgroup (4.2 [3.6-4.8] in 2020; 5.3 [4.7-6.0] in 2021).

INTERPRETATION

The incidence of tics in children and young people increased across all age and sex groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a differentially large effect in teenage girls (a greater than four-fold increase). Furthermore, in those with tic symptoms, proportions with mental health disorders including anxiety increased during the pandemic. Further research is required on the social and contextual factors underpinning this rise in onset of tics in teenage girls.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.

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

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a modified comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (MCBIT) therapy for youth with chronic tic disorders (CTDs), co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and associated psychosocial impairment. Seventeen youth ages 10-17 with CTD and co-occurring ADHD were randomly assigned to the MCBIT group (n = 9) or to a control group where they received traditional comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) therapy (n = 8). Both groups received ten 55-minute weekly treatment sessions, and two 55-minute biweekly relapse prevention sessions. Sixteen of the 17 participants completed the study, and acceptability ratings in both treatment groups were high with no significant differences in expectation of improvement. The MCBIT and CBIT groups in combination showed significant improvement in tic severity, ADHD symptom severity, and tic-related impairment. Group differences were not significant. The results indicate that MCBIT treatment is feasible and acceptable for youth with CTD and ADHD, and is similarly well tolerated relative to traditional CBIT. Results were not sufficiently superior to recommend MCBIT over CBIT for this population. However, given the demonstrated benefit of behavioral treatments that target co-occurring conditions concurrently, continuing to examine novel behavioral approaches that can target tics and related conditions simultaneously and successfully is recommended.

Evaluation of new instruments for screening and diagnosis of tics and tic disorders in a well-characterized sample of youth with tics and recruited controls

Tics and tic disorders can significantly impact children, but limited screening tools and diagnostic challenges may delay access to care. The current study attempted to address these gaps by evaluating sensitivity and specificity of the Motor or Vocal Inventory of Tics (MOVeIT), a tic symptom screener, and the Description of Tic Symptoms (DoTS), a brief diagnostic assessment for tic disorders. Children (n=100, age 6-17 years old) with tic disorders attending a Tourette specialty clinic and a community-recruited sample without tics completed a gold-standard assessment by a tic expert; these evaluations were compared to child self-report and parent and teacher report versions of the MOVeIT, and child and parent versions of the DoTS. The parent and child MOVeIT met or exceeded pre-specified 85% sensitivity and specificity criteria for detecting the presence of tics when compared to a gold-standard tic expert diagnosis. The Teacher MOVeIT had lower sensitivity (71.4%) but good specificity (95.7%) for identifying any tic symptoms compared to gold standard. For determination of the presence or absence of any tic disorder, sensitivity of both parent and child DoTS was 100%; specificity of the parent DoTS was 92.7% and child DoTS specificity was 75.9%. More work may be needed to refine the teacher MOVeIT, but it is also recognized that tic expression may vary by setting. While the MOVeIT and DoTS parent and child questionnaires demonstrated adequate sensitivity and specificity for determining the presence of tics and tic disorders in this well-defined sample, additional testing in a general population is warranted.

Lifetime Prevalence, Predictors and Comorbidities of Tic Disorders: A Population-Based Survey of Children and Adolescents in Iran

In this population-based survey, we have evaluated the lifetime prevalence of tic disorders and related sociodemographic factors and comorbidities of them. The data obtained from face-to-face interviews with 29,885 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. We used the multistage cluster sampling method and a cross-sectional design. Tic disorders and other psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). The lifetime prevalence of tic disorders was 1.5% (95% CI  (1.3-1.7%)). The highest prevalence was in the age range of 15-18 years old with 1.9% (95% CI  (1.6-2.3%)).57.7% (95% CI 51.8-63.3%) of patients with tic disorders had comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. Increasing the prevalence of tic disorder with increasing age among Iranian children and adolescents, emphasizes the need to pay more attention to use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and increase education to families in this regard.

Current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for Tourette syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic tic disorder characterized by both motor and vocal tics. The vast majority of patients present with co-morbid behavioral problems, especially tic-related obsessive-compulsive behaviors and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Evidence-based guidelines on the pharmacotherapy of TS have become available in recent years.

AREAS COVERED

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current and emerging pharmacotherapeutic strategies for TS. A comprehensive search for the literature on the pharmacotherapy of tics was conducted using multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), without date limits.

EXPERT OPINION

In consideration of the heterogeneity of the TS phenotypes, pharmacotherapy should be tailored to the individual patient. The choice of the pharmacological agent should take into account both the efficacy-to-tolerability ratio and the presence of co-morbid conditions. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy should aim at improving health-related quality life within a dynamic framework that typically requires active monitoring of the clinical presentation and reevaluation of the treatment intervention over time.

Children with tics can be helped by a new online treatment

The studyHollis C, Hall CL, Jones R, et al. Therapist supported online remote behavioural intervention for tics in children and adolescents in England (ORBIT): a multicentre, parallel group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Psychiatry 2021;8:P871-82.

Efficacy of Behavioural Intervention, Antipsychotics, and Alpha Agonists in the Treatment of Tics Disorder in Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome (TS), in which patients have sudden, repeated, involuntary twitches and movements, called tics, is a condition of the nervous system. They can be motor, vocal, simple, or complex tics. It can be physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially distressing and challenging for those suffering from it. Usually, it is accompanied by various comorbidities like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders. A variety of environmental and genetic factors are also associated with tics in TS like the first-degree relatives are more at risk of developing TS.TS is heterogeneous with complicated patterns of inheritance and phenotypic manifestations. There is a strong association between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP, s) in the SLITRK1 gene and TS. Environmental factors like prenatal, postnatal, and perinatal factors directly influence tics in TS. These factors are low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation (IGR), and various infections. The treatment of TS can be broadly classified into non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment. Non-pharmacological therapy includes various behavioural interventions that can be helpful in situations when patients are tolerant of medical treatments. Psychoeducation and counselling play an essential role in the treatment of TS. It is vital to give a proper understanding to the patient and their family about the disease. Cognitive-behavioral intervention for tics, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, relaxation techniques, deep brain stimulation, and habit reversal training are the commonly used therapies for tics. These therapies have shown good efficacy because it improves the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale score (YGTSS) significantly. And they show effectiveness in patients who are irresponsive to medical treatment. The main lines of medical treatment are antipsychotics and alpha agonists. Typical (haloperidol, pimozide) or atypical (aripiprazole, risperidone, olanzapine) Antipsychotics differ in their side effects, efficacy, and tolerance in different age groups of children. Haloperidol was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for tics, but later on, new developments and improvements were made as far as drug therapy is concerned. The alpha-agonist most commonly used is clonidine which is also available in the form of adhesive patches. Another alpha agonist which is also widely used is guanfacine. Botulinum toxin and baclofen have also shown efficacy in dealing with tics in TS with other comorbidities. We will review in this article all the main lines of treatment and their effectiveness in TS.

Assessing the educational needs of physicians in the management of patients with Tourette syndrome: results of a United States survey on practicing clinicians and caregivers

Objective

To better understand current practices of U.S.-based physicians in the management of Tourette syndrome (TS) and identify gaps that may be addressed by future education.

Methods

Two survey instruments were developed to gather data on management of TS and perceptions from physicians and caregivers of children with TS. The clinician survey was developed in consultation with a TS physician expert and utilized clinical vignettes to assess and quantify practice patterns. The caregiver survey was adapted from the clinician survey and other published studies and gathered details on diagnosis, treatment, and perceptions regarding management.

Results

Data included responses from 138 neurologists (including 57 pediatric neurologists), 162 psychiatrists (including 42 pediatric psychiatrists), and 67 caregivers. Most (65%) pediatric neurologists rely solely on clinical findings to make a diagnosis, whereas the majority of other specialists utilize additional testing (eg, neuroimaging, lab testing, and genetics). Most psychiatrists (96%) utilize standardized criteria to make a diagnosis, whereas 22% of neurologists do not. Many physicians (44% of psychiatrists and 20% of neurologists) use pharmacotherapy to treat a patient with “slightly bothersome” tics and no functional impairment, whereas caregivers favored behavioral therapy. Most (76%) caregivers preferred to make the final treatment decision, whereas 80% of physicians preferred equal or physician-directed decision-making.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into practice patterns and perceptions of U.S.-based neurologists and psychiatrists in managing TS. Results highlight the potential value of physician education, including diagnostic approach, tic management and monitoring, involvement of caregivers in decision-making, and updates on TS management.

Internet-based guided self-help comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (ICBIT) for youth with tic disorders: a feasibility and effectiveness study with 6 month-follow-up

Practice guidelines endorse comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) as first-line treatment for tic disorders (TD) in youth. Nevertheless, CBIT is rarely available due to various barriers. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an Internet-based, self-help CBIT program (ICBIT) guided by parents with minimal therapist support delivered via telepsychotherapy. Forty-one youths, aged 7-18 years, were randomly assigned to receive either ICBIT (n = 25) or a wait-list (WL) condition (n = 16) in a crossover design. ICBIT was feasible to implement and at post-treatment, 64% of the participants have improved significantly. Results demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in tic severity and improved youth global impairment and functioning. Gains were maintained over a 6-month follow-up period. The effect size for the primary outcome measure (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) ranged between large effect size (Cohen"s d = 0.91) at post-intervention to very large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.25) 6 months after the end of the acute intervention. These were comparable to face-to-face delivery treatment trials for TD. Participants rated the intervention as highly acceptable and satisfactory. Youth receiving ICBIT experienced improvement in self-esteem and comorbidity. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICBIT program enabled the delivery of the intervention consecutively without interruption. The results observed provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility and effectiveness of this innovative modality to assist youth with TD and remove various barriers to treatment, including those during a public crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Larger studies with an active control group are warranted.Trial registration URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04087616.

"I'm in pain and I want help": An online survey investigating the experiences of tic-related pain and use of pain management techniques in people with tics and tic disorders

OBJECTIVES

Tic disorders (TDs) are complex neurological conditions characterized by involuntary, persistent vocalizations and motor movements called tics. Tics involve brief muscle movements and can impair many aspects of daily functioning and quality of life in patients - and their physical nature can cause pain. Understanding individuals' experiences of tic-related pain and pain management could help explore this under-researched area and identify additional support needs for this population. The aim of this study was to investigate experiences of pain and use of pain management techniques in people with tic disorders.

METHODS

An online survey consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions exploring experiences of tic-related pain, help-seeking behavior for tic-related pain, and use of pain relief techniques for tic-related pain, was circulated online via international Tourette syndrome patient associations, and one online support group for Tourette syndrome. The online survey was open to adults (≥16 years) with self-reported tics. Open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-one participants (16-71 years; 58.0% female) from 18 countries completed the online survey. Several aspects of tics were associated with pain, including the physical effort of motor tics (n = 177, 97.8%), repetitive tics (n = 141, 77.9%) and the consequences of tics (n = 131, 72.4%). Nearly two-thirds (n = 118, 64.6%) had sought professional help for tic-related pain. Distraction techniques (n = 126, 69.6%), taking pain relief medication (n = 125, 69.1%) and altering tics (n = 111, 61.3%) were the most commonly-reported methods used to relieve and cope with tic-related pain. Thematic analysis found an interrelated complex relationship between participants' tics, pain, and pain management techniques, reflected in four themes: the "tic-pain" cycle, the impact of pain, the importance of support, and the perceived successfulness of pain management techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Tic-related pain was reported to have a significant physical and psychological impact which impacted aspects of daily living in people with tic disorders. The findings add to limited research suggesting tic-related pain is a dominant issue for individuals with tic disorders, potentially impacting upon their quality of life. Increased understanding of tic-related pain and its influence may be helpful in the long-term management of tic disorders, both in terms of clinical management and patients' self-management.

European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders-version 2.0. Part III: pharmacological treatment

In 2011, the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) published the first European guidelines for Tourette Syndrome (TS). We now present an update of the part on pharmacological treatment, based on a review of new literature with special attention to other evidence-based guidelines, meta-analyses, and randomized double-blinded studies. Moreover, our revision took into consideration results of a recent survey on treatment preferences conducted among ESSTS experts. The first preference should be given to psychoeducation and to behavioral approaches, as it strengthens the patients' self-regulatory control and thus his/her autonomy. Because behavioral approaches are not effective, available, or feasible in all patients, in a substantial number of patients pharmacological treatment is indicated, alone or in combination with behavioral therapy. The largest amount of evidence supports the use of dopamine blocking agents, preferably aripiprazole because of a more favorable profile of adverse events than first- and second-generation antipsychotics. Other agents that can be considered include tiapride, risperidone, and especially in case of co-existing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), clonidine and guanfacine. This view is supported by the results of our survey on medication preference among members of ESSTS, in which aripiprazole was indicated as the drug of first choice both in children and adults. In treatment resistant cases, treatment with agents with either a limited evidence base or risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects might be considered, including pimozide, haloperidol, topiramate, cannabis-based agents, and botulinum toxin injections. Overall, treatment of TS should be individualized, and decisions based on the patient's needs and preferences, presence of co-existing conditions, latest scientific findings as well as on the physician's preferences, experience, and local regulatory requirements.

European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders-version 2.0. Part II: psychological interventions

Part II of the European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders (ECAP journal, 2011) provides updated information and recommendations for psychological interventions for individuals with tic disorders, created by a working group of the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS). A systematic literature search was conducted to obtain original studies of psychological interventions for tic disorders, published since the initial European clinical guidelines were issued. Relevant studies were identified using computerized searches of the MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases for the years 2011-2019 and a manual search for the years 2019-2021. Based on clinical consensus, psychoeducation is recommended as an initial intervention regardless of symptom severity. According to a systematic literature search, most evidence was found for Habit Reversal Training (HRT), primarily the expanded package Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Evidence was also found for Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), but to a lesser degree of certainty than HRT/CBIT due to fewer studies. Currently, cognitive interventions and third-wave interventions are not recommended as stand-alone treatments for tic disorders. Several novel treatment delivery formats are currently being evaluated, of which videoconference delivery of HRT/CBIT has the most evidence to date. To summarize, when psychoeducation alone is insufficient, both HRT/CBIT and ERP are recommended as first-line interventions for tic disorders. As part of the development of the clinical guidelines, a survey is reported from ESSTS members and other tic disorder experts on preference, use and availability of psychological interventions for tic disorders.

Acute and Long-Term Effects of an Internet-Based, Self-Help Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Children and Teens with Tic Disorders with Comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Reanalysis of Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders (TD) commonly co-occur. In addition, specific inattention difficulties and poor impulse control are related to TD in the absence of comorbid ADHD. In this study we reanalyzed data from a recently completed study comparing internet-delivered, self-help comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (ICBIT) with a waiting-list control group. The current study describes the effects of an (ICBIT) in children and adolescents with TD with and without comorbid diagnoses of ADHD or OCD at post intervention and over three- and six-month follow-up periods. Thirty-eight 7 to 18-year-olds completed the ICBIT. Of these, 16 were diagnosed with comorbid ADHD and 11 were diagnosed with OCD. A significant improvement in tic measures was found in all groups. Both the TD + ADHD and the TD − ADHD groups were similar in the magnitude of tic reduction from baseline to post-treatment, and at the three and six-month follow-up assessments. However, the TD + OCD group benefitted less from intervention than the TD—OCD group. There were meaningful reductions in parental reports of inattention, as well as hyperactive and impulsive symptoms at post intervention and over the 6-month follow-up period. Thus, ICBIT can be effectively delivered in the presence of comorbid ADHD or OCD symptomatology and may reduce symptoms of inattention and impulsivity. Larger studies of ICBIT in children and teens with TD and comorbid ADHD and OCD are needed to optimize responses to ICBIT.

Role of psychotherapy strategy for the management of patients with Tourette syndrome - A Bayesian network meta-analysis

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by high comorbidity. Treatment with psychotherapy is highly recommended, however, there exists limited available evidence on the use and the optimal psychotherapeutic outcome is debatable. We performed a systematic search on several bibliographic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of psychotherapy treatment in TS patients, from inception to August 1st, 2020, and without language restrictions. Outcome measures were measured by the Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) to determine the efficacy of psychotherapy. Data were pooled as Standard mean difference (SMD) in the Bayesian analysis of the random effect model. A total of 17 RCTs with 9 treatments and 1042 participants were included from an initial 4901 records. The primary outcome including, Comprehensive behavioral intervention (CBIT) [SMD = -1.43, 95%Credible interval (CrI): -2.39, -0.44], Exposure with response prevention (ERP) [SMD = -1.37, 95%CrI: -2.62, -0.13], Habit reversal therapy (HRT) [SMD = -0.93, 95%CrI: 1.83, -0.05], and Behavior therapy (BT) [SMD = -0.85, 95%CrI: 1.51, -0.18], were found to be significantly lower in the TS group compared with the control group (including wait-list, treatment-as-usual or other named control group). Based on the Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA), CBIT (SUCRA value = 86.97%, 95%CrI: 44%, 100%) was found to be a suitable psychotherapeutic treatment for TS patients. High-quality RCTs on psychotherapy are needed to perform for establishing the foundation of the generation of evidence-based guidelines.

The management of ADHD in children and adolescents: bringing evidence to the clinic: perspective from the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG)

ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder presenting to child and adolescent mental health, paediatric, and primary care services. Timely and effective interventions to address core ADHD symptoms and co-occurring problems are a high priority for healthcare and society more widely. While much research has reported on the benefits and adverse effects of different interventions for ADHD, these individual research reports and the reviews, meta-analyses and guidelines summarizing their findings are sometimes inconsistent and difficult to interpret. We have summarized the current evidence and identified several methodological issues and gaps in the current evidence that we believe are important for clinicians to consider when evaluating the evidence and making treatment decisions. These include understanding potential impact of bias such as inadequate blinding and selection bias on study outcomes; the relative lack of high-quality data comparing different treatments and assessing long-term effectiveness, adverse effects and safety for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments; and the problems associated with observational studies, including those based on large national registries and comparing treatments with each other. We highlight key similarities across current international clinical guidelines and discuss the reasons for divergence where these occur. We discuss the integration of these different perspective into a framework for person/family-centered evidence-based practice approach to care that aims to achieve optimal outcomes that prioritize individual strengths and impairments, as well as the personal treatment targets of children and their families. Finally, we consider how access to care for this common and impairing disorder can be improved in different healthcare systems.

Non-invasive brain stimulation as therapy: systematic review and recommendations with a focus on the treatment of Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by tics, which are stereotyped movements and/or vocalisations. Tics often cause difficulties in daily life and many with TS express a desire to reduce and/or gain control over them. No singular effective treatment exists for TS, and while pharmacological and behavioural interventions can be effective, the results are variable, and issues relating to access, availability and side effects can be barriers to treatment. Consequently, over the past decade, there has been increasing interest into the potential benefits of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches. This systematic review highlights work exploring NIBS as a potential treatment for TS. On balance, the results tentatively suggest that multiple sessions of stimulation applied over the supplementary motor area (SMA) may help to reduce tics. However, a number of methodological and theoretical issues limit the strength of this conclusion, with the most problematic being the lack of large-scale sham-controlled studies. In this review, methodological and theoretical issues are discussed, unanswered questions highlighted and suggestions for future work put forward.

Therapist-supported online remote behavioural intervention for tics in children and adolescents in England (ORBIT): a multicentre, parallel group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a form of behavioural therapy for tics; however, its effectiveness remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of internet-delivered, therapist-supported, and parent-assisted ERP for treatment of tics in children and young people with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder.

METHODS

This multicentre, parallel group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted across two study sites in England. Participants were recruited via 16 patient identification centres, two study sites in England (Nottingham and London), or online self-referral. Eligible participants were aged 9-17 years, had Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder, had not received behavioural therapy for tics in the past 12 months or were about to start, and had a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) Total Tic Severity Score (TTSS) of more than 15 or more than 10 if they had only motor or vocal tics. Patients were excluded if they had started or stopped medication for tics within the past 2 months; had current alcohol or substance dependence, psychosis, suicidality, anorexia nervosa, or suspected moderate to severe intellectual disability; or presented an immediate risk to self or others; or the parent or carer was unable to speak, read, or write in English. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by masked outcome assessors to receive 10 weeks of online, remotely delivered, therapist-supported ERP or psychoeducation (active control). Outcome assessors, statisticians, health economists, the trial manager, and the chief investigator were masked to group allocation. Patients were not directly informed of their allocation, but this could be established from the content once treatment commenced and the patients were not, therefore, considered masked to treatment. The primary outcome was YGTSS-TTSS 3 months after randomisation, and analysis was done in all randomised patients for whom data were available for each timepoint and outcome. Safety analysis was by intention to treat. Longer term follow-up is ongoing. This trial is registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN70758207) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03483493).

FINDINGS

Between May 8, 2018, and Sept 30, 2019, we assessed 445 candidates for inclusion in the study. 221 potential participants were excluded (90 did not meet inclusion criteria, 84 declined to participate, and 47 unable to contact family). 224 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to ERP (n=112) or psychoeducation (n=112). The enrolled patients were mostly male (n=177; 79%) and of White ethnicity (n=195; 87%). 11 patients were lost to follow-up 3 months after randomisation in the ERP group, compared with 12 patients in the psychoeducation group. Mean YGTSS-TTSS at 3 months after randomisation was 23·9 (SD 8·2) in the ERP group and 26·8 (7·3) in the psychoeducation group. The mean total decrease in YGTSS-TTSS at 3 months was 4·5 (16%, SD 1·1) in the ERP group versus 1·6 (6%, 1·0) in the psychoeducation group. The estimated mean difference in YGTSS-TTSS change between the groups adjusted for baseline and site was -2·29 points (95% CI -3·86 to -0·71) in favour of ERP, with an effect size of -0·31 (95% CI -0·52 to -0·10). Two serious adverse events occurred (one collapse and one tic attack), both in the psychoeducation group, neither of which were related to study treatment.

INTERPRETATION

ERP is an effective behavioural therapy for tics. Remotely delivered, online ERP with minimal therapist contact time represents an efficient public mental health approach to improve access to behavioural therapy for tics in children and adolescents.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research and Health and Technology Assessment.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of therapist-guided internet-delivered behaviour therapy for children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome: study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment guidelines recommend behaviour therapy (BT) for patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD). However, BT is rarely accessible due to limited availability of trained therapists and long travel distances to specialist clinics. Internet-delivered BT has the potential of overcoming these barriers through remote delivery of treatment with minimal therapist support. In the current protocol, we outline the design and methods of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating an internet-delivered BT programme referred to as BIP TIC. The trial's primary objective is to determine the clinical efficacy of BIP TIC for reducing tic severity in young people with TS/CTD, compared with an active control intervention. Secondary objectives are to investigate the 12-month durability of the treatment effects and to perform a health economic evaluation of the intervention.

METHODS

In this single-blind superiority RCT, 220 participants (9-17 years) with TS/CTD throughout Sweden will be randomised to 10-12 weeks of either therapist-supported internet-delivered BT based on exposure with response prevention (BIP TIC) or therapist-supported internet-delivered education. Data will be collected at baseline, 3 and 5 weeks into the treatment, at post-treatment, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint is the 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome is tic severity as measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale - Total Tic Severity Score. Treatment response is operationalised as scores of "Very much improved" or "Much improved" on the Clinical Global Impression - Improvement scale, administered at the primary endpoint. Outcome assessors will be blind to treatment condition at all assessment points. A health economic evaluation of BIP TIC will be performed, both in the short term (primary endpoint) and the long term (12-month follow-up). There are no planned interim analyses.

DISCUSSION

Participant recruitment started on 26 April 2019 and finished on 9 April 2021. The total number of included participants was 221. The final participant is expected to reach the primary endpoint in September 2021 and the 12-month follow-up in June 2022. Data analysis for the primary objective will commence after the last participant reaches the primary endpoint.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03916055 . Registered on 16 April 2019.

Pharmacological treatment for Tourette syndrome in children and adults: What is the quality of the evidence? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by involuntary muscle movements manifesting as motor and vocal tics. In the majority, tics are manageable without medication. Where tics cause discomfort or impair function, behavioural or pharmaceutical treatments may be considered.

AIMS

To provide a meticulous examination of the quality of evidence for the current pharmacological treatments for TS.

METHODS

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify randomised, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of aripiprazole, risperidone, clonidine, guanfacine, haloperidol, pimozide, tiapride and sulpiride for the treatment of tics in children and adults with TS. Quality of reporting and risk of bias were assessed against the CONSORT checklist and Cochrane risk of bias criteria, respectively.

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs were identified. Response rates reached 88.6% for aripiprazole, 68.9% for clonidine, 62.5% for risperidone and 19% for guanfacine. Statistically significant improvements were reported for all medications compared to placebo in at least one study and for at least one measure of tic severity. Most studies predated the CONSORT and Cochrane criteria and did not score highly when assessed on these measures.

CONCLUSIONS

There are relatively few placebo-controlled trials of commonly prescribed medications. Studies are often of poor quality and short duration. There is evidence for the efficacy of each medication, but no drug is clearly superior. Clonidine and guanfacine are better tolerated than antipsychotics, but less effective. There is too little evidence to determine whether adults respond differently from children.

Fidelity of Delivery and Contextual Factors Influencing Children's Level of Engagement: Process Evaluation of the Online Remote Behavioral Intervention for Tics Trial

Background

The Online Remote Behavioral Intervention for Tics (ORBIT) study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention that consisted of a web-based behavioral intervention for children and young people with tic disorders. In the first part of a two-stage process evaluation, we conducted a mixed methods study exploring the reach, dose, and fidelity of the intervention and contextual factors influencing engagement.

Objective

This study aims to explore the fidelity of delivery and contextual factors underpinning the ORBIT trial.

Methods

Baseline study data and intervention usage metrics from participants in the intervention arm were used as quantitative implementation data (N=112). The experiences of being in the intervention were explored through semistructured interviews with children (n=20) and parent participants (n=20), therapists (n=4), and referring clinicians (n=6). A principal component analysis was used to create a comprehensive, composite measure of children and young people’s engagement with the intervention. Engagement factor scores reflected relative uptake as assessed by a range of usage indices, including chapters accessed, number of pages visited, and number of log-ins. The engagement factor score was used as the dependent variable in a multiple linear regression analysis with various contextual variables as independent variables to assess if there were any significant predictors of engagement.

Results

The intervention was implemented with high fidelity, and participants deemed the intervention acceptable and satisfactory. The engagement was high, with child participants completing an average of 7.5 of 10 (SD 2.7) chapters, and 88.4% (99/112) of participants completed the minimum of the first four chapters—the predefined threshold effective dose. Compared with the total population of children with tic disorders, participants in the sample tended to have more educated parents and lived in more economically advantaged areas; however, socioeconomic factors were not related to engagement factor scores. Factors associated with higher engagement factor scores included participants enrolled at the London site versus the Nottingham site (P=.01), self-referred versus clinic referred (P=.04), higher parental engagement as evidenced by the number of parental chapters completed (n=111; ρ=0.73; P<.001), and more therapist time for parents (n=111; ρ=0.46; P<.001). A multiple linear regression indicated that parents’ chapter completion (β=.69; t₁₁₀=10.18; P<.001) and therapist time for parents (β=.19; t₁₁₀=2.95; P=.004) were the only significant independent predictors of child engagement factor scores.

Conclusions

Overall, the intervention had high fidelity of delivery and was evaluated positively by participants, although reach may have been constrained by the nature of the randomized controlled trial. Parental engagement and therapist time for parents were strong predictors of intervention implementation, which has important implications for designing and implementing digital therapeutic interventions in child and adolescent mental health services.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3974-3

Efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological, psychosocial, and brain stimulation interventions in children and adolescents with mental disorders: an umbrella review

Top-tier evidence on the safety/tolerability of 80 medications in children/adolescents with mental disorders has recently been reviewed in this jour-nal. To guide clinical practice, such data must be combined with evidence on efficacy and acceptability. Besides medications, psychosocial inter-ventions and brain stimulation techniques are treatment options for children/adolescents with mental disorders. For this umbrella review, we systematically searched network meta-analyses (NMAs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating 48 medications, 20 psychosocial interventions, and four brain stimulation techniques in children/adolescents with 52 different mental disorders or groups of mental disorders, reporting on 20 different efficacy/acceptability outcomes. Co-primary outcomes were disease-specific symptom reduction and all-cause discontinuation ("acceptability"). We included 14 NMAs and 90 MAs, reporting on 15 mental disorders or groups of mental disorders. Overall, 21 medications outperformed placebo regarding the co-primary outcomes, and three psychosocial interventions did so (while seven outperformed waiting list/no treatment). Based on the meta-analytic evidence, the most convincing efficacy profile emerged for amphetamines, methylphenidate and, to a smaller extent, behavioral therapy in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; aripiprazole, risperidone and several psychosocial interventions in autism; risperidone and behavioral interventions in disruptive behavior disorders; several antipsychotics in schizophrenia spectrum disorders; fluoxetine, the combination of fluoxetine and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy in depression; aripiprazole in mania; fluoxetine and group CBT in anxiety disorders; fluoxetine/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, CBT, and behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention in obsessive-compulsive disorder; CBT in post-traumatic stress disorder; imipramine and alarm behavioral intervention in enuresis; behavioral therapy in encopresis; and family therapy in anorexia nervosa. Results from this umbrella review of interventions for mental disorders in children/adolescents provide evidence-based information for clinical decision making.

Aripiprazole for the treatment of Tourette syndrome

Introduction: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple tics which often persisting in forms of different severity throughout adult life. The prevalence of neuropsychiatric co-morbidity in patients with TS is high. Treatment of TS can involve pharmacological, behavioral, or, in rare cases, surgical therapies. Over the last two decades there has been growing interest in the use of aripiprazole, a novel partial dopamine receptor agonist, as a promising anti-tic agent.Areas covered: The authors reviewed the available literature evaluating the role of aripiprazole in the treatment of TS and other tic disorders in both children and adults. This includes data from five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eleven open-label studies.Expert opinion: There is moderate quality evidence supporting the use of aripiprazole in reducing tic severity in children and adolescents, however there is a lack of robust evidence evaluating its use in adults, despite expert consensus. Overall, it appears that aripiprazole is a safe and effective treatment for tics. Further large scale RCTs assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in the treatment of tics are warranted, especially in adult populations with TS.

Clinical features and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in pediatric patients with tic disorders: a retrospective chart review study from South Korea

BACKGROUND

Tic disorders are childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by multiple motor or vocal tics with frequent comorbidities and a broad spectrum of phenotypic presentations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions in pediatric patients with tic disorders.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 119 pediatric patients (89 males, 30 females) who were diagnosed with tic disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, Republic of Korea, between January 2012 and July 2019.

RESULTS

The mean age of tic onset was 6.9 years (range, 1-14) and the mean age at diagnosis was 8 years (range, 1-17). The mean lag between tic onset and diagnosis was 13.3 months (range, 0.25-132). The most common, first-presenting tics were eye blinking (50.4%), followed by jaw or lip movement (29.4%) and throat clearing (29.4%). Thirty-seven (31.1%) patients had at least one co-occurring neuropsychiatric disorder at the time of tic diagnosis. Subtypes of tic disorders, types of initial tics, and presence of neuropsychiatric comorbidities were not associated with tic severity. Tic severity was associated with greater functional impairment and tic noticeability (p < 0.05). A relatively shorter time to diagnosis was associated with tic severity (Spearman's ρ = - 0.14, p = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

The evolving nature of tic expression and severity, high prevalence of neuropsychiatric comorbidities, and associated functional impairments emphasize the importance of comprehensive assessment during the disease course for determining and prioritizing goals of treatment.

Effectiveness of Behaviour Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder in a Naturalistic Setting

It is unclear if the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behaviour therapy (BT) for Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) can be generalised to naturalistic clinical settings and are durable long-term. In this naturalistic study, 74 young people with TS/CTD received BT at a specialist clinic. Data were collected at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Measures included the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I), amongst others. Tic severity and tic-related impairment improved after treatment, with large within-group effect sizes. At post-treatment, 57% of the participants were classified as treatment responders according to the CGI-I. Tic severity and tic-related impairment improved further through the follow-up, with 75% treatment responders at the 12-month follow-up. BT is an effective and durable treatment for young people with TS/CTD in a naturalistic specialist clinical setting, with comparable effects to RCTs.

The role of drugs in the treatment of autism

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is increasing. It usually presents in childhood with abnormal behaviour and development The diagnosis can be difficult. There are often comorbidities which can cause confusion Non-drug treatments are first line. Drug treatment is not effective for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. However, drugs may have a role in managing comorbidities and related symptoms, such as irritability and aggression Anxiety is a common comorbidity. Cognitive behaviour therapy can be effective, but in some cases selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have a role Most patients have problems sleeping, but drugs are not usually used to treat sleep disorders in children Antipsychotics, such as risperidone, may be considered for irritability and aggression. Clonidine is first line for children with Tourette syndrome. Patients need regular monitoring because of the adverse effects of these drugs

Treatment use among children with Tourette syndrome living in the United States, 2014

Treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS) can be complicated by changes over time in tic expression, severity, and co-occurring disorders. Using the 2014 National Survey of the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD and Tourette Syndrome, this study provides descriptive estimates of the use of behavioral interventions and medication among children living with TS. Parent-reported data on 115 children aged 5-17 years ever diagnosed with TS were analyzed to provide descriptive, unweighted results. Overall, 77.4% of children had current or past use of any TS treatment; 59.1% ever used behavioral interventions and 56.1% had ever taken TS medication. Children with "moderate" or "severe" versus "mild" TS, ≥1 co-occurring disorders, and tics that interfered with functioning were significantly more likely to have used one or more TS treatments. Side effects were reported for 84.4% of children who took TS medication. Most parents of children with current TS (87.2%) were satisfied with the management of their child's TS. However, parents of children with "moderate" or "severe" current TS were significantly more dissatisfied compared to parents of children with "mild" TS. Findings from this study could be used to inform efforts to support children living with TS and their families.

Therapist-Supported Online Interventions for Children and Young People With Tic Disorders: Lessons Learned From a Randomized Controlled Trial and Considerations for Future Practice

In recent years, research into internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) has suggested that therapist-guided digital interventions have greater engagement, adherence, and effectiveness than self-directed digital therapies. While research has focused on the effectiveness of, and adherence to, these interventions, less attention has been paid to their implementation in practice and what aspects of the therapist role support success. An understanding of the key factors related to the therapist role and intervention delivery is required if these iCBTs are to be applied in routine clinical care and outcomes optimized. In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is greater emphasis on allowing patients access to remote therapies. We report the experiences and reflections of 4 therapists and their 2 supervisors in delivering an online, therapist-supported intervention in a randomized controlled trial for children and young people with tic disorders (the Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics [ORBIT] trial). Themes discussed include the importance of training, supervision, creating support documents/manuals, and record keeping. Alongside this are communication strategies used by therapists to encourage patient adherence and treatment effectiveness. These include rapport building, treatment personalization, and suggestions for overcoming non-engagement. These reflections offer important considerations for the delivery of iCBTs as well as implications associated with the implementation of these interventions in existing services and future research studies. We share thoughts on where iCBTs may sit in a stepped care model, how services may deal with comorbid conditions, and the potential role of iCBTs in collecting clinical data.

The therapeutic effect of habit reversal training for Tourette syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

OBJECTIVES

Comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) and habit reversal training (HRT) are forms of cognitive behavioral therapy that can effectively reduce tic symptoms in patients with tic disorders, but their efficacies and potential moderators were needed to be clarified.

METHODS

In the present study, a meta-analysis was performed to identify the efficacy of HRT and CBIT for individuals with tic disorders. The standard mean difference (SMD) was calculated to assess the effect size of the efficacy of HRT. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed to identify the potential heterogeneity of the SMD of HRT.

RESULTS

A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 586 patients with tic disorders were identified. The pooled SMD was -0.43 (95% CI: -0.71, -0.16). The effect size of HRT was moderated by different 'Comparison Conditions' (it means the different behavioral therapies in the control group).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the authors found a small to medium effect size for the efficacy of HRT. As the most promising behavioral therapy, they conclude that HRT is effective for the treatment of patients with tic disorders. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to determine the efficacy of HRT compared with that of medications.

PANS/PANDAS: Clinical Experience in IVIG Treatment and State of the Art in Rehabilitation Approaches

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a condition characterized by the abrupt, dramatic onset of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating restriction accompanied by equally abrupt and severe comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms. PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection) is a heterogeneous syndrome identified as post-Streptococcus pyogenes infection (β-hemolytic Streptococcus group A) complications regarding the central nervous system with specific involvement of neuropsychiatric and behavioral skills. In the first part of our study, we share our experience in the treatment of a group of extreme-grade (according to CY-BOCS severity scale) symptomatic patients with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), following the most recent studies regarding the dosage of the drug. Our contribution is to share our experience made on a sample of 55 patients all in the highest level of a severity grade. In the second part of our study, we also analyze the literature on PANS/PANDAS rehabilitation therapy, since in the literature there is no discussion of union and comparison on this method. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical features of the patients observed from different Italian cohorts, with the attempt at evaluating clinical response to IVIG treatment in children with an extreme severity grade of PANS/PANDAS disease. Furthermore, after having analyzed the literature, we propose rehabilitation therapy as an added value to the pharmacological treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 55 patients with a diagnosis of PANS/PANDAS, who belonged to an extreme grade of disease, were enrolled. All patients were administered with IVIG treatment at 2 g/kg per day for two consecutive days. Results: From our study, a noticeable improvement (until complete remission) of symptoms was evident for at least one year in 47 out of 55 (85%) observed children, while 11 out of these 43 (25%) showed an evident symptoms remission in a single attempt and the remaining 32 (75%) required a second administration to notice a lasting symptomatic improvement.

Use of Tic-Suppressing Medication and Other Psychotropic Drugs in Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed Tic Disorders in Denmark

Objective: Only few psychotropic drugs are approved to treat tic disorders. The aim was to describe use of tic-suppressing medication and other psychotropic drugs in children with tics. Methods: Using nationwide registries, we identified children receiving a tic diagnosis in Denmark during 2006-2017 and extracted data on tic-suppressing medication and other psychotropic drugs. Results: Antipsychotics were used by 12%. Use of tic-suppressing medication increased with age and varied according to sex. Over time less children with tics were medicated (from 44% to 38% in the total use of psychotropic drugs) mainly due to decreased use of antipsychotics (from 18% to 6.4%). In recent years, use of aripiprazole exceeded that of risperidone (38% vs. 35%), although risperidone was most often first choice (34%) followed by aripiprazole (22%). Most children stayed on their initial treatment. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medication (27%) was the most common additional psychotropic drug class used. Regional variations were found in the treatment of tics. Hospital specialists were mainly responsible for treatment. Conclusions: Most children with tics do not use tic-suppressing or other psychotropic drugs. The use of aripiprazole superseded risperidone, however risperidone remains the most common first-choice treatment. Treatment was mainly handled by specialists, which is reassuring given the lack of national guidelines, however, regional variations merit further attention as do the variation in treatment between young girls and boys.

What Makes an Osteopathic Treatment Effective From a Patient's Perspective: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe patients' perspectives on their experience in osteopathic treatment, to contribute toward developing interpretative models on effectiveness.

METHODS

A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. The data were collected through a semistructured interview. To capture the variability of the phenomenon, a purposive sample of 12 participants with previous experience of osteopathic care was selected. The data analysis was carried out in an inductive way, and it was parallel to the recruitment to continuously monitor the data saturation.

RESULTS

Data saturation was reached with 12 participants (female = 9; male = 3). Participants' age ranged from 27 to 82 years old (mean: 55.25 ± 17.15; median: 59; kurtosis: -0.82). Participants had different reasons for consultation. The analysis showed 1 overarching theme, "Osteopathy is a path of awareness," 3 themes, and 12 categories. Themes were: (1) "The experience of pain produces awareness of the need for care," (2) "Osteopathy is a journey to be shared over time," and (3) "The effectiveness of the osteopathic treatment is the discovery of the person's unity by experience."

CONCLUSION

Participants affirm that osteopathy is a path of awareness that starts from an experience of pain; leads them to contact an osteopath; and ends with their experience of the unity of body, mind, and spirit.

A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study of cranial electrotherapy stimulation as an add-on treatment for tic disorders in children and adolescents

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) as an add-on treatment for TD.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial was conducted at an outpatient, single-center academic setting. A total of 62 patients aged 6-17 years with TD and lack of clinical response to 4 weeks' pharmacotherapy were enrolled. Patients were divided randomly into 2 groups and given 4 weeks' treatment, including 30 min sessions of active CES (500 μA-2 mA) or sham CES (lower than 100 μA) per day for 40 d on weekdays. Change in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Clinical Global Impression-severity of illness-severity (CGI-S) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale-14 items (HAMA-14) were performed at baseline, week 2, week 4. Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

53 patients (34 males and 9 females) completed the trial, including 29 in the active CES group and 24 in the sham CES group. Both groups showed clinical improvement in tic severities compared to baseline respectively at week 4. Participants receiving active CES showed a reduction of 31.66 % in YGTSS score, compared with 23.96 % in participants in sham CES group, resulting in no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.54, p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

Four-week's treatment of CES for children and adolescents with TD is effective and safe, but the improvement for tic severity may be related to placebo effect.

Effectiveness and Safety of a Clonidine Adhesive Patch for Children With Tic Disorders: Study in a Real-World Practice

Background: Real-world evidence includes data from retrospective/prospective observational studies and observational registries, and provides insights beyond those addressed by randomized controlled trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a clonidine adhesive patch (CAP) for children with tic disorder (TD) in a real-world setting (RWS).

Methods: This was an open-label, non-interventional, post-marketing, observational study in a RWS. Children diagnosed with TDs were enrolled from a pediatric neurology clinic in China, and the change in tic symptom severity following 6 weeks pharmacologic treatments was investigated using Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) during visits at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12.

Results: Of 150 patients, 76% (114/150) were male (age range, 3.03–14.24 years; mean, 8.11 ± 2.48 years). Patients were divided into three groups: tiapride (n = 94), CAP (n = 14), and CAP + tiapride (n = 42). The mean YGTSS improved 11.02, 15.14, 11.13 points from baseline to posttreatment for tiapride, CAP, and CAP + tiapride, respectively, but variance analysis showed there was no significant difference in YGTSS related to different pharmacologic intervention during subsequent visits at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Repeated measure analysis showed there was no significant difference between different medication types for reducing the YGTSS score (F = 0.553, P = 0.576). No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of AEs between the three groups.

Conclusion: The CAP is effective and safe for TD management in a RWS, because of the limitation of sample size and the period of follow up, observational studies with longer-term outcomes, and larger sample size are needed.

Interventions for tic disorders: An updated overview of systematic reviews and meta analyses

To conduct an updated overview of systematic reviews (SRs) summarizing the efficacy and safety of various strategies used to treat tic disorders (TDs) in children. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and relevant reference lists for articles published between the search deadline from our last overview and April 2019 and included 16 SRs. The results presented that antipsychotics, a2-adrenergic receptor agonists, and HRT/CBIT still appeared to be the most robust evidence-based options for the treatment of TDs. Compared with our last overview, more robust evidence showed that aripiprazole and acupuncture was effective treatment in treating children TDs, and DBS for medication-refractory and severely affected patients. In addition, physical activity or exercise may be promising treatments, and the clonidine adhesive patch is an effective, safe, and convenient treatment option for TDs. Moreover, methylphenidate, guanfacine, and desipramine appeared to reduce ADHD symptoms in children with tics. However, no research studies have examined HRT/CBIT alone compared with HRT/CBIT in combination with medication. More high-quality clinical trials comparing different interventions for TDs including economic evaluations should be encouraged.

Pediatric postviral autoimmune disorders of the CNS

Infections caused by various viruses, mainly belonging to the Herpesviridae family, can trigger the autoimmune process in the CNS in children. This can break brain immune tolerance and induce many molecular and cellular pathways of the immune response. This can lead to the appearance of neuronal auto-antibodies to intracellular, cell-surface or extracellular synaptic antigens. Children may also display a wide spectrum of neurological problems from encephalitis to obsessive–compulsive or tic disorders. In these cases, patients rarely respond to traditional treatment, based on antiviral or/and symptomatic drugs, but early immunotherapy is very effective. The implementation of routine immune tests in all children with acute neurological disorders should be recommended.

Protocol for the Process Evaluation of the Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics (ORBIT) randomized controlled trial for children and young people

BACKGROUND

Process evaluations are an important component in the interpretation and understanding of outcomes in trials. The Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics (ORBIT) study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an Internet-delivered behavioural intervention (called BIP TIC) compared to an Internet-delivered education programme aimed at children and young people with tics. A process evaluation will be undertaken alongside the main trial to determine precisely how the behavioural intervention works and ascertain whether, and if so, how, the intervention could be successfully implemented in standard clinical practice. This protocol paper describes the rationale, aims, and methodology of the ORBIT trial process evaluation.

METHODS

The process evaluation will have a mixed-methods design following the UK Medical Research Council 2015 guidelines, comprising both quantitative and qualitative data collection. This will include analysing data usage of participants in the intervention arm; purposively sampled, semi-structured interviews of parents and children, therapists and supervisors, and referring clinicians of the ORBIT trial, as well as analysis of qualitative comments put into the online therapy platform by participants at the end of treatment. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated in a triangulation approach, to provide an understanding of how the intervention works, and what resources are needed for effective implementation, uptake and use in routine clinical care.

DISCUSSION

This process evaluation will explore the experiences of participants, therapists and supervisors and referring clinicians of a complex online intervention. By contextualising trial efficacy results, this will help understand how and if the intervention worked and what may be required to sustain the implementation of the treatment long term. The findings will also aid in our understanding of factors that can affect the success of complex interventions. This will enable future researchers developing online behavioural interventions for children and young people with mental health and neurological disorders to gain invaluable information from this process evaluation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number, ISRCTN70758207. Registered on 20 March 2018. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03483493. Registered on 30 March 2018.