2026 Research Studies

Summaries of research projects supported by Tourettes Action.

Help Shape Better Access to Behavioural Therapy for Adults with Tics and Tourette syndrome

Researchers at the University of Nottingham invited adults with tics or Tourette syndrome to share their experiences of accessing behavioural therapy. Many people report difficulties obtaining appropriate support through the NHS, so the study aimed to better understand these barriers and explore whether adults would be interested in accessing online behavioural therapy. This includes programmes such as ORBIT, a digital therapy platform developed by UK researchers.

Results of the study will follow soon

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Mental Wellbeing in Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Adults

Could gut health affect mental wellbeing in neurodivergent adults? Many neurodivergent people, including those with Tourette syndrome, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, experience tummy and digestive problems such as bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea more often than the general population. At the same time, neurodivergent people are more likely to experience low mood, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties. What we don't yet know is whether these two things are connected and whether gut symptoms are linked to mental wellbeing more strongly for neurodivergent people than for neurotypical people.

This study from London Metropolitan University will be written up as a university dissertation, and a plain-language summary will be shared so that participants and the wider community can see what was learned. 

Results of the study will follow soon