Cognitive behavioral management of Tourette's syndrome and chronic tic disorder in medicated and unmedicated samples

Kieron P. O'Connor, Anick Laverdure, Annie Taillon, Emmanuel Stip, François Borgeat, Marc Lavoie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and medication can be administered in combination in treating tic disorders but there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of CBT with and without medication. The current study compares the efficacy of CBT in combination with medication and without medication. Method: CBT was administered in a consecutively referred sample of 76 people diagnosed either with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome or chronic tic disorder. The sample was divided into a medicated and a non-medicated group. Twenty three were stabilized on medication and 53 were not receiving medication. Measures administered pre- and post-CBT in both groups included: main outcome measure of Tourette Syndrome Global Scale and measures of mood. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance on the initial sample revealed no difference between medicated and non-medicated groups in outcome. A further analysis comparing the 23 receiving medication with 23 not receiving medication matched on baseline clinical variables also yielded no significant group differences, either in treatment outcome on main tic outcome measures or on other clinically relevant questionnaires. Discussion: CBT for tic disorders is an effective treatment administered either in combination with medication or alone.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1090-1095
Number of pages6
JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy
Volume47
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CBT
  • Medication
  • Tic disorder
  • Tourette syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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