Serotonin Control of Impulsivity in Tourette Disorder
Tourette DisorderTourette disorder (TD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. It is often associated with multiple psychiatric comorbidities involving a high degree of impulsivity such as obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and intermittent explosive disorders (IED). Although a substantial body of clinical studies have emphasized the role of the dopamine system in motor symptoms, little is known about how the serotonergic (5-HT) system modulate both cognitive and affective abilities in TD. Several lines of evidence suggest that different 5-HT receptor subtypes may constitute a crucial factor in the development and maintenance of different symptoms. Because abnormal 5-HT2A receptor bindings have been reported in patients with TD and aripiprazole (drug of first choice) is a 5-HT2A antagonist, we hypothesize that 5-HT2A receptors may play an important role in regulating psychiatric symptoms in TD such as those characterized by impulsive behaviors. To investigate the involvement of 5-HT2A receptors in TD, we propose to perform a multimodal imaging study with 20 adult patients (ON and OFF treatment). Neuroimaging data will be collected with a hybrid system that simultaneously combines the positron emission tomography (PET) and the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A highly selective PET radiotracer ([18F]-altanserin) will map 5-HT2A receptor bindings in the whole brain, while fMRI will provide detail information regarding the altered brain activities.
Neural Correlates of Sensory Phenomena in Tourette Syndrome
Tourette SyndromeSensory Disorders2 moreThe most pervasive sensory manifestation of TS is sensory over-responsivity (SOR). SOR is defined as excessive behavioral response to commonplace environmental stimuli. SOR is an integral but poorly understood facet of the TS phenotype, one intertwined with core elements of the disorder and worse QOL. This proposal seeks to clarify the mechanistic bases of SOR in TS. Adults with with TS will be recruited 1) to complete a standardized clinical symptom assessment battery and 2) to undergo electroencephalogram (EEG), autonomic, and audio-visual monitoring during tactile and auditory stimuli paradigms, as well as at rest.
Tourette Discrimination (TD) Stigma Scale
Tourette SyndromeTourette Syndrome in Children4 moreThe goal of this qualitative study is to understand the challenges of stigmatization and discrimination in children and young adults with Chronic Tic Disorders (CTD), including Tourette Syndrome. Measuring and understanding how stigma affects those with CTD will help inform future work.
The Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Subtypes of Tics-related Disorders
Tourette Syndrome in ChildrenThe findings of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging in subtypes of tics-related disorders
Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of TSUPPORT for Adults With Tourette Syndrome
Tourette SyndromeA 28-week single-arm trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of TSupport (a Traditional Chinese Medicine) for adults with Tourette Syndrome.
Exploring the Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome in ChildrenTourette syndrome (TS) is a disabling neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. The studies proposed in this application will explore the endocrine mechanisms underlying two of the least well-understood biological characteristics of TS, namely its marked male predominance and stress susceptibility. In particular, our exploratory studies will characterize the steroid profile in TS-affected boys and girls to identify novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disorder.
A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of T92 in Pediatric Patients With Tourette...
Tourette Syndrome in ChildrenTourette Syndrome in AdolescenceA 12-week clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of T92 in pediatric patients with Tourette Syndrome.
Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis in Tourette Syndrome
Tourette SyndromeFor many individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS), available medications do not help with their symptoms, or cause significant side effects. Two small controlled trials have investigated the effect of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, in TS patients. While these trials have shown promising results, the effect sizes were not as large and consistent as those reported by patients with regards to inhaled cannabis (smoked or vaporized). Indeed, based on anecdotal evidence, patients have much greater improvement in their symptoms using inhaled cannabis than using cannabinoid pharmaceuticals. However, there have been no controlled trials of inhaled medical cannabis for TS to date. Furthermore, various medical cannabis products are authorized in Canada with different contents of THC and cannabidiol (CBD), another primary cannabinoid. No data exists regarding the dosing, efficacy and safety of these products in the treatment of TS. To gather such data, a double-blind, randomized, crossover pilot trial will be conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of three vaporized medical cannabis products with different THC and CBD contents, as well as placebo, in adults with TS. As well, the PK/PD profile of THC and CBD of the products will be assessed and correlated with tic symptoms
Rollover Study for Continuing NBI-98854 Administration in Pediatric Subjects With Tourette Syndrome...
Tourette SyndromeThis is an open-label, rollover study to collect long-term safety, tolerability, and investigator- and participant-reported pharmacodynamic (PD) data after chronic administration of NBI-98854 in pediatric participants with Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as to provide open-label access to NBI-98854 for the treatment of TS for pediatric participants who have taken part in a Phase 2 NBI-98854 study.
Evaluation of Safety and Tolerability of Long-term TEV-50717 (Deutetrabenazine) for Treatment of...
Tourette SyndromeThis is an otherwise open-label, single-arm study that includes a 2-week, double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized drug withdrawal period followed by a 3 week blinded maintenance or re-titration, and then a maintenance period. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TEV-50717 tablets in patients with tics associated with TS who have previously completed participation in any of the parent studies.