title: Current controversies on the role of behavior therapy in Tourette syndrome.
abstract: Comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) is a safe and effective treatment for managing the tics of Tourette syndrome (TS). In contrast to most current medications used for the treatment of tics, the efficacy of CBIT has been demonstrated in 2 relatively large, multisite trials. It also shows durability of benefit over time. Similar to psychopharmacological intervention, skilled practitioners are required to implement the intervention. Despite concerns about the effort required to participate in CBIT, patients with TS and parents of children with TS appear willing to meet the requirements of the CBIT program. Efforts are under way to increase the number of trained CBIT providers in the United States. Based on available evidence, recent published guidelines suggest that CBIT can be considered a first-line treatment for persons with tic disorders. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
authors.affiliation: Marcus Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. lawrence.scahill@emory.edu
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scahill
authors.forename: Douglas W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Himle
authors.forename: Alan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Piacentini
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McNaught
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Walkup
authors.forename: Jonathan W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Mink
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Tourette syndrome; evidence-based treatment; habit reversal therapy; tics