title: Mindfulness-based stress reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this pilot study we sought to develop and test a modified form of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR-tics) for the treatment of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD). Our specific aims were: 1) To determine the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week trial of MBSR-tics in individuals 16 and older with TS or CTD and 2) To determine the efficacy of an 8-week trial of MBSR-tics in individuals 16 and older with TS or CTD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen individuals age 16-67 completed an uncontrolled open trial of MBSR-tics. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly 2-hour classes and one 4hour retreat in the fifth or sixth week of the program. Symptomatic assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MBSR-tics proved to be a feasible and acceptable intervention. It resulted in significant improvement in tic severity and tic-related impairment. 58.8% of subjects were deemed treatment responders. Therapeutic gains were maintained at 1-month follow-up. Improvements in tic severity were correlated with increases in self-reported levels of mindfulness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This small open pilot study provides preliminary support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of MBSR-tics for individuals 16 or older with TS or CTD. A larger randomized controlled trial with blind assessment is necessary to confirm these initial, promising findings. Trial Registration Partners Clinical Trials Registry Number 2011P000606 (clinicaltrials.partners.org).
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States. Electronic address: hreese@mgh.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Hannah E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Reese
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
authors.forename: Zayda
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Vallejo
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Crowe
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rosenfield
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064866:Mindfulness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D013981:Tic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Chronic tic disorder; Mindfulness; Psychosocial; Tourette syndrome; Treatment