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Tourette Syndrome Center of Excellence at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine
Psychiatry Department
Center for Developmental Behavioral Health
Research
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BALTIMORE, November 18, 2024— Researchers at the renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute have achieved remarkable advancements in enhancing the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Their latest scholarly article sheds light on the efficacy of behavioral therapies, a treatment method that empowers patients with skills to manage their tics through practical behavioral strategies. This approach has emerged as the most effective treatment available, marking a noteworthy milestone in Tourette syndrome management.
Tourette syndrome (TS), a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated prevalence of up to 1% in the general population, is primarily characterized by motor and vocal tics. These sudden, involuntary movements and sounds can drastically disrupt daily functioning and social interactions. TS frequently coexists with various comorbid conditions, including anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), complicating treatment and management efforts for affected individuals.
Dr. Hala Katato, an esteemed expert and the lead author of the publication from Kennedy Krieger’s psychiatric department, emphasizes that the distress caused by tics can be overwhelming for many patients and their families. She underscores that behavioral therapies equip individuals with practical tools to effectively alleviate their symptoms, making them the recommended first-line treatment for this challenging disorder.
“Tourette syndrome can be overwhelming for patients and families,” stated Katato. “However, our research illustrates that behavioral therapies enable patients to identify early warning signs of impending tics, allowing them to implement behavioral strategies strategically to mitigate tic severity.”
The behavioral therapies described in the publication encompass:
- Habit Reversal Training focuses on enhancing patient awareness of their tics and introduces strategies to substitute tic behaviors with alternative actions, such as subtly squinting to counteract tics associated with eye movements.
- Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics expands upon habit reversal by integrating interventions and relaxation techniques—including deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation—to address triggers that may precipitate tics.
- Exposure with Response Prevention centers on helping patients confront the urge to tic without succumbing to it, utilizing gradual exposure methods. This approach aims to disrupt the sequence of premonitory urges that typically foreshadow tics, thereby diminishing the compulsion to enact them.
Dr. Jonathan Muniz, MD, a co-author on the publication, articulates that these therapies demonstrate proven effectiveness across a diverse range of patients—including children, teenagers, and adults grappling with TS.
“These behavioral therapies are remarkably straightforward methodologies that individuals of all ages can easily integrate into their daily routines,” remarked Muniz. “This provides an accessible and practical solution to minimizing the impact of tics on everyday life.”
Despite the positive outcomes associated with these therapies, access to appropriate care continues to pose a formidable challenge for many families. Current estimates suggest that only 25% of children diagnosed with Tourette syndrome receive the requisite behavioral therapy, primarily due to a scarcity of trained providers. In response to this pressing issue, Kennedy Krieger Institute is actively working to broaden access to these therapeutic options through innovative online platforms and telehealth services.
“We aim to fill the accessibility gap in care and ensure that all patients, particularly those residing in remote or underserved areas, can reap the benefits of these effective treatments,” asserted Dr. Katato.
While behavioral therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, the research team is conducting further investigations into supplementary strategies to support patients with TS. This includes augmenting behavioral therapy with medications like d-cycloserine and exploring brain stimulation techniques that may enhance the effectiveness of existing treatment modalities. The team is also delving into the potential benefits of mindfulness practices, aiming to provide secondary benefits for co-occurring conditions and improve overall quality of life for patients.
“Our goal is to foster holistic well-being, addressing not just the tics but the comprehensive needs of the individual,” emphasized Dr. Muniz. “Many patients with Tourette syndrome grapple with additional hurdles, including anxiety, ADHD, and OCD; thus, our mission is to provide interventions that cater to all facets of their health.”
Click here to learn more about the available therapies for Tourette syndrome or enrolling in clinical programs.
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About Kennedy Krieger Institute:
Kennedy Krieger Institute, a globally recognized nonprofit located in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, dramatically transforms the lives of over 27,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive spectrum of services including inpatient and outpatient medical care, behavioral health, wellness therapies, community support initiatives, school-based programs, professional training, and advocacy efforts. The Institute specializes in addressing a wide array of disorders impacting the nervous system, catering to individuals ranging from children to adults with varying levels of severity. Its team of dedicated researchers continuously works to deepen the understanding of how these disorders manifest while pioneering innovative interventions and techniques aimed at early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. For further information about Kennedy Krieger, visit KennedyKrieger.org.
– What are the most significant advancements in behavioral therapies for Tourette syndrome treatment that have emerged recently?
**Interview with Dr. Hala Katato and Dr. Jonathan Muniz on Advances in Tourette Syndrome Treatment**
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Katato and Dr. Muniz, for joining us today to discuss the exciting advancements in treating Tourette syndrome. Dr. Katato, could you share some insights into how behavioral therapies are transforming the management of Tourette syndrome?
**Dr. Katato:** Absolutely! Our research highlights that behavioral therapies empower patients with practical skills to manage their tics more effectively. Many individuals and their families struggle with the distress caused by these tics. Behavioral therapies, such as Habit Reversal Training and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics, help them gain awareness and introduce strategies to mitigate tic severity.
**Editor:** Dr. Muniz, what makes these therapies particularly effective for patients of all ages?
**Dr. Muniz:** These therapies are simple yet powerful. They can be integrated easily into daily routines, making them accessible for children, teenagers, and adults. For example, techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation address triggers for tics, while Exposure with Response Prevention helps individuals confront their urge to tic without giving in to it.
**Editor:** It’s encouraging to hear that these methods are suitable for a wide range of patients. However, I understand there are still significant hurdles regarding access to care. Dr. Katato, could you elaborate on the current challenges?
**Dr. Katato:** Yes, unfortunately, only about 25% of children diagnosed with Tourette syndrome receive the necessary behavioral therapy due to a shortage of trained providers. We’re addressing this by expanding access through telehealth services and online platforms, enabling families—especially those in remote areas—to benefit from these effective treatments.
**Editor:** That’s promising progress. Now, Dr. Muniz, could you discuss the ongoing research into supplementary strategies for treating Tourette syndrome beyond behavioral therapy?
**Dr. Muniz:** Certainly. While behavioral therapy remains our cornerstone, we’re examining additional strategies, including the possible benefits of medications like d-cycloserine and exploring brain stimulation techniques. We’re also investigating mindfulness practices as a way to support patients not just in managing tics but also in addressing comorbid conditions like anxiety and ADHD.
**Editor:** It sounds like a holistic approach is at the forefront of your research. To wrap up, Dr. Katato, what is your overall aspiration for the future of Tourette syndrome management at the Kennedy Krieger Institute?
**Dr. Katato:** Our goal is to enhance the overall well-being of individuals with Tourette syndrome by providing comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health. By continuing our research and expanding access to effective therapies, we’re committed to ensuring that every patient receives the support they need to thrive.
**Editor:** Thank you both for your time and insights into the advancements and ongoing efforts for improving lives affected by Tourette syndrome. We look forward to hearing more about your future research outcomes.