University of Utah
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.
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a disabling neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. Available treatment strategies remain unsatisfactory, due to limited knowledge of the biological foundations of this disorder. The studies proposed in this application will explore the mechanisms underlying two of the least well-understood biological characteristics of TS, namely its marked male predominance and stress susceptibility. Studies from the investigators suggest that these features of TS are contributed by neuroactive steroids, a family of mediators implicated in sex and stress…
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnostic criteria of TS for cases (and lack of any tic disorders for controls) * Age between 8 and 12 years old (this age range is to ensure that TS participants can perform the tic suppression task) * confirmation of sexual development by parent and/or self-reported Tanner stage of pubic hair development. Exclusion Criteria: * major psychiatric disorders such as a psychotic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder; * other neurological disorders; * clinically significant endocrinological disorders; * use of therapies that can…
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.
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