Perceived Negative Effects of Tic Management Strategies in Adults With Tic Disorders

This study explored perceived negative effects of tic management strategies in adults with TDs and predictors of these experiences. Participants (N = 72) completed semi-structured interviews 11 years after receiving behavior therapy or supportive therapy in a randomized clinical trial. We examined responses to interview questions about managing tics and predictors of reported negative effects. Most participants did not experience tic worsening (84%) or tic substitution (75%) from tic management strategies. The majority felt they could manage tics while participating in their environment (87%) and did not report life interference from tic management (77%). About half (45%) felt less present when managing tics. Treatment non-responders in the original trial were more likely to report negative effects of tic management strategies. No differences in reported negative consequences were found between those who received behavior therapy versus supportive therapy, suggesting that behavior therapy specifically does not lead to such adverse effects. These findings could reduce misconceptions about behavior therapy for TDs and enhance its acceptability and utilization.PMID:38557310 | DOI:10.1177/01454455241236446

Source: Behavior Modification - April 1, 2024 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Kathryn E Barber Brandon X Pitts Jordan T Stiede Flint M Espil Douglas W Woods Matthew W Specht Shannon M Bennett John T Walkup Emily J Ricketts Joseph F McGuire Alan L Peterson Scott N Compton Sabine Wilhelm Lawrence Scahill John C Piacentini Source Type: research