Remote delivery of a mindfulness-based intervention for adults with tics: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial.
Hannah E. Reese, W Alan Brown, Yaerin H Wallenberger, Kesley A Ramsey, Lauren E Browning, Joshua Rooks, Neda F Gould, Jeannie‐marie Leoutsakos, Tamar Mendelson, Alexandria H Chang, Joseph F McGuire
Contemporary Clinical Trials January 13, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108224 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 150 |
| Population | Adults with Tourette Syndrome and persistent tic disorders |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based group intervention for tics (MBIT) Psychoeducation with relaxation and supportive therapy (PRST) |
| Duration | 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Tourette syndrome Tic disorders Tics Quality of life Adult Female Relaxation therapy Mental health teletherapy Randomized clinical trial |
| Key findings | The paper outlines a randomized controlled trial designed to test whether a remotely delivered mindfulness-based group intervention for tics (MBIT) reduces tic severity compared with psychoeducation with relaxation and supportive therapy (PRST) in 150 adults with Tourette Syndrome, and to examine how MBIT may work. Secondary aims include comorbid conditions, quality of life, and durability of improvements over 6 months. No outcomes are reported. |
Abstract
Tourette Syndrome and persistent tic disorders (collectively, TS) are characterized by involuntary motor and/or vocal tics that onset in childhood. Existing evidence-based treatments-including behavior therapy and pharmacotherapy-are often only partially effective, associated with burdensome side effects, and/or inaccessible. The current paper describes a randomized controlled trial designed to compare a novel, remotely delivered mindfulness-based group intervention for tics (MBIT) to psychoeducation with relaxation and supportive therapy (PRST) in 150 adults with TS. All interventions and assessments will be delivered remotely using secure telehealth platforms and online electronic data capture systems. An independent evaluator masked to treatment condition will administer all tic assessments. The primary aims of the study are to: 1) examine the efficacy of MBIT relative to PRST for tic severity and 2) investigate the mechanism by which MBIT reduces tic severity. Additional aims include: 1) examination of secondary outcomes (e.g., comorbid conditions, quality of life), and 2) exploration of the durability of any observed improvements over a 6-month follow-up. Findings have the potential to meaningfully expand the range of evidence-based treatment options available to adults with TS.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Tourette Syndrome: Current Status and Future Directions. Psychiatric Clinics of North America October 9, 2024
- Feasibility and acceptability of an online mindfulness-based group intervention for adults with tic disorders. Pilot and Feasibility Studies March 24, 2021
- Mindfulness-based interventions for psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review February 1, 2018
and 1 more in the library