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

Abstract

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.