T.I.C.S. Study

Tourette Syndrome:
Inhibition and Reward

We are currently looking for children aged 7-12 to participate in a study onInhibition and Reward Sensitivity in children with Tourette Syndrome. Children who additionally have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and/or mild Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will be considered for the study.

We will also be testing children aged 7-12 who do not have Tourette Syndrome.

The program includes a psychological assessment, a brain imaging component, and a salivary cortisol measurement. Your child can opt to participate in all or part of the program.  It is our hope that our research will lead to better treatments or coping strategies for children with Tourette Syndrome.

The study involves 2 sessions:

~ Visit #1 at Barker Hall, UC Berkeley
- Assessment of cognitive abilities, OCD tendencies, and tic severity
- Total Time = 2-3 hours; Compensation = $50

~ Visit #2 at Barker Hall, UC Berkeley
- Follow-up assessment of cognitive abilities and behaviors
- Results of the first cognitive assessment
- Total Time = 3 hours; Compensation $150

Scheduling: We understand that scheduling during school/work days can be difficult for families.  We have weekend and after-school slots available and can work with you to find a time that is convenient for you and your child.

Please be aware that your child will most likely not be able to participate if he/she has begun treatment with a medication to alleviate tics.  If medication has recently been prescribed but your child is willing to participate in the study, we would test him/her as soon as possible, so as not to delay the treatment unnecessarily. Alternatively, if you are interested, we can retain your contact information so that we can contact you when we begin research in which children on tic-alleviating medication can participate.  Also, please note that if your child is taking a medication to alleviate Attention Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms, he/she would have to go off the medication for 24 hours prior to both testing sessions of our study in consultation with your child’s physician. Some other medications are permissible; please let us know if your child is taking any medications.

To find out more, or to volunteer your child for this study, please e-mail graduate student Sarah Munro: sarah.munro @ berkeley.edu