Family Genetic Study of Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are conducting a genetic study that focuses on families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are looking for common behavioral traits, such as attentional difficulties and impulsivity, which may be shared by these conditions. If found, we want to determine whether these traits are heritable, that is, can be passed down from parents to children. We hope that the information we learn will eventually help researchers to develop better treatments for these conditions.
We are enrolling families in which there is at least one child 6 years of age or older who has TS, ADHD and/or OCD, or any combination of these conditions. We would like the whole family (both parents, brothers and sisters) to participate. Subjects will complete interviews, questionnaires and assessments examining areas such as attention, impulsivity, problem-solving, and visual-spatial skills. We will also collect a blood or saliva sample for DNA testing. Study participation is strictly voluntary and may require
4-6 hours, on average, per person for the completion of all study tasks. Parents completing interviews and questionnaires for their children will require an additional 1-2 hours per child. Study visits can be at MGH or in your own home. Families coming to MGH will have parking and meal expenses paid for them. Upon completion of all study tasks, families will be paid $100 for their participation.
If your family meets these criteria and you are interested in learning more about this study, please call the Genetic Family Study at 1-800-471-2730, option 2 or email cillmann@partners.org. Please visit our website at www.ts-adhd-ocd.org.
Columbia University Neuroimaging Study Seeking Participants with Tourette Syndrome
Conducted by Dr. Bradley Peterson, this new research study is focused on learning more about the causes of several disorders that develop in childhood and adolescence. One of the conditions of interest is Tourette Syndrome.
The study requires participants to agree to five visits, one per year over a five year period, and includes multiple MRI scans which lasts about one and a half hours each. Each study visit requires a total of 6-7 hours to complete.
Participants must be between the ages of 4-13, can be taking medications, and also may have other diagnosed conditions in addition to TS.
No expense will be incurred by eligible subjects, and a modest payment for participation is being offered. Participants will receive $120 after each visit, in the form of a gift certificate or a check depending upon age, as a thank you for being in the study. Participants that turn 15 years old during the study will receive $200 for each subsequent visit.
Study location: NY State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY
Contact person: Kristin Klahr: 1-212-543-6072 <mristudy@childpsych.columbia.edu>
Note: Those contacting the study coordinator to learn more about the project are under no obligation to agree to participate.
Neuroimaging Study: Adults with TS
The investigators at the Yale Child Study Center are currently looking for adults with TS, or adults who had tics during childhood but are now experiencing much fewer tic symptoms, to participate in these studies. The MEG portion is being conducted at New York University while the fMRI portion of the study is being conducted at the Yale Child Study Center. See the recruitment notice (pdf) for additional information.
fMRI of Motor Tics, Motor Response Preparation and Response Inhibition in Children with TS
Investigators: Stewart Mostofsky, M.D., Principal Investigator; Harvey Singer, M.D., Co-Investigator
Description: The purpose of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify brain regions involved in tic production in children between the ages of 8-18 years. This study is being funded by the Tourette Syndrome Association. Participation in this study involves paper and pencil tasks, computer activities and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. There are no medical benefits and
none of the tests are harmful or painful. The study involves two, 5-hour sessions conducted on separate days. Participants will receive a $50 check and a picture of their brain. Parents will receive a copy of their child’s IQ report. All testing is done free of charge.
Eligibility:
- Children with and without Tourette Syndrome
- Ages 8-18 years
- Presence of simple tics with minimal head movement (in children with TS)
- Right-handed
Location: Kennedy
Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore,
MD 21205. Contact: Megan Roeder (443) 923-9254
roeder@kennedykrieger.org
Behavior Therapy for Adults and Adolescents with Chronic Tic Disorders
Yale Child Study Center is recruiting subjects for a study of behavior therapy for tics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a form of behavior therapy called Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is helpful for reducing tics. CBIT will be compared to Psychoeducational Supportive therapy (PST) and participants of this study will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive CBIT or PST.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) therapy consists of eight one-hour long treatment sessions scheduled over ten weeks. During this treatment, participants with learn to monitor their tics and will practice simple behavioral response that may make the tics less frequent or bothersome. For example, someone who has a leg movement tic, may be asked to practice placing the feet flat on floor and pushing downward. Psychoeducational supportive therapy (PST) will also consist of eight one-hour long sessions scheduled over ten weeks. This treatment involves stress management, problem-solving, and learning strategies for coping with negative emotions.
To be eligible for the study participants must
be 16 years of age or older
have Tourette Syndrome or Chronic Tic Disorder
be medication free or on a stable dose of medication
All adults or adolescents and their parents who are involved in the study will be asked to fill out rating scales, questionnaires, and answer questions about symptoms and behavior relevant to this project. CBIT and PST are free. Subjects will be offered $25 each assessment visit, and compensated for parking costs on therapy visits. Participation in this study is voluntary. If you do not want to participate, it will not affect any future treatment in the Yale Child Study Center.
If you are interested in the project, please contact Dr. Denis Sukhodolsky at (203) 785-6446 or Joseph McGuire at (203) 785-5805. We will describe the project in more detail and help you determine whether the program is fitting for you.
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