Research on Tics and Tourette’s Disorder

The research component of Mount Sinai’s Tics and Tourette’s Clinical and Research Program focuses on the natural history, course, clinical phenomenology, and treatment of Tourette's and tic disorders. Additionally, our team of experts conducts research into the relationship between tics and other comorbid disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Anxiety or Mood Disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches are also available through our Program for those with Tourette’s and tic disorders.

Current research studies include:

• Collaborative Genomic Studies of Tourette’s Disorder (NIMH): Previous studies suggest that Tourette’s Disorder has a strong inherited component. The aim of this study is to obtain DNA samples from participants with TD and at least 2 family members, in order to identify genetic factors that play a role in causing TD and related disorders such as Chronic Tics (CT), OCD, and ADHD. We are currently recruiting subjects of all ages, with a diagnosis of TD at Icahn School of Medicine and Nathan Kline Institute of Psychiatric Research.
• Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Tourette’s Disorder: An MR Spectroscopy Study: The aim of this study is to use fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) to evaluate changes in levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. In conjunction with the lab of Dr. Vilma Gabbay, we are currently recruiting subjects, right-handed adolescents ages 12-17 years, with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of TD at Icahn School of Medicine and Nathan Kline Institute of Psychiatric Research.

Current clinical trials include:

• Oral Aripiprazole in Children and Adolescents with Tourette's Disorder: The aims of this study are to compare the efficacy of aripiprazole with placebo in the suppression of tics and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the once-daily treatment with oral tablets in children and adolescents (7-17 years) with a diagnosis of Tourette's Disorder.
• Guanfacine in Children with Tourette’s Disorder or Chronic Tic Disorder (Shire Pharmaceuticals): This is a small, multi-site, investigator initiated controlled study designed to determine whether extended release guanfacine is beneficial and tolerable in treatment of tics in children and adolescents with Tourette’s Disorder (TD) or Chronic Tic Disorder. We are currently recruiting subjects, ages 6-17 years, with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of TD or Chronic Tic Disorder at Icahn School of Medicine.
• Open Label Safety and Tolerability Trial of Vigabatrin in Young Adults with Treatment Refractory Tourette’s Disorder (Catalyst Pharmaceuticals): This is a proof of concept, open label study to obtain preliminary data regarding dosage and tolerability of vigabatrin. We are currently recruiting subjects, at least 18 years of age with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of TD, and who have had unsatisfactory response to prior treatments.

If you are interested in learning more about the research done at our program or would like to become involved with any of our studies, please contact clinical research coordinator Resham Gellatly (212-659-1677; resham.gellatly@mssm.edu).