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Exploring the Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Tourette Syndrome
Sponsor: University of Utah
Summary
Tourette 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.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
8 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2023-05-15
Completion Date
2027-10-31
Last Updated
2026-10-06
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Tic suppression task
Tic Suppression Task (TST, administered to Tourette syndrome participants only): At the beginning of the task, the child participant will be seated alone in front of a computer monitor with a countdown timer visible on the screen. For the first 10 minutes (baseline condition) they will be asked to tic freely and not to try to suppress their tics. For the second 10 minutes children will be asked to suppress their tics and will receive points for successful suppression. Participants will then be asked to sit alone in the room and tic freely for an additional 10-minutes.
Locations (1)
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States