Below is a list of current research projects supported by Tourettes Action which we invite you to participate in.

Investigating interhemispheric M1-M1 interactions in Tourette syndrome

The aim of this study is to investigate how the motor regions (M1) in both sides of the brain function and interact with each other. The study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which is a safe and non-invasive stimulation technique. We are recruiting individuals with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders. 

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Investigating combined tACS-MNS on tic frequency and the urge-to-tic in Tourette syndrome

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of combining two safe non-invasive forms of brain stimulation on tic frequency and the urge-to-tic in Tourette Syndrome. We are recruiting individuals with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders. 

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Investigating the experiences of phonic tics and involuntary vocalisation behaviour in adults with tic disorders

Researchers in Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire are conducting a study to better understand how phonic (vocal) tics and other speech-related difficulties impact everyday communication, social interactions, and overall well-being in adults with tic disorders. While awareness of tic disorders is growing, research has largely focused on children and motor tics—leaving a significant gap in understanding the experiences of adults with phonic tics. This study aims to fill that gap by giving voice to those directly affected.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

How do animals benefit individuals with Tourette syndrome?

Individuals with Tourette’s can find it difficult to access the help available to them, or they may become ashamed to ask for help as a result of fear or judgement from others, e.g. getting a service or emotional support dog. From this research, the hope that the results may show that individuals find great comfort in being around animals, therefore widening the understanding of how important it can be for individuals to have access to this type of support.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Study on the developmental characterisation of explosive outbursts in young people with Tourette syndrome

This project will provide a better understanding of the individual factors that may contribute to the occurrence of explosive outbursts, which could lead to new avenues of intervention to reduce the frequency and intensity of such outbursts. Additionally, by getting an in-depth understanding of the different dimensions of family functioning possibly affected by these outbursts, we may be able to identify new components for interventions to manage explosive outbursts, equip parents to deal with parental stress, and build on available resources and support programs.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Are there benefits to using physiotherapeutic methods to decrease tic severity and pain levels for individuals with Tourette syndrome?

Around 47.5% of adults with Tourette syndrome suffer from pain due to tics. There is currently not much research available to suggest the use of physiotherapeutic treatment methods to offer relief from tic pain and/or a reduction in the severity of tics, however, there is self-reported evidence online and within the Tourette’s community.

If evidence states that pain and tic severity could be reduced through physiotherapy, it will help people with Tourette's manage their symptoms by raising awareness of the potential benefits of physiotherapy, and physiotherapeutic treatment methods. Symptom management in Tourette’s could help improve the quality of life for individuals with Tourette's.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Young people needed to help design a new research study

Researchers are looking to speak to 18–21-year-olds with autism and tics to help design a new reearch study into whether the premonitory urge for tics differs in those who also have autism.

Participants will be required to attend an online meeting for appx one hour for an informal chat and will receive £15 for their time.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

The relationship between parental stress, stigma, resilience, and social support

This research project aims to examine the relationship between parental stress, stigma, resilience, and social support among parents caring for young people with Tourette syndrome (TS). The study hopes to highlight the influences and predictors of parental stress within this population.

The study will allow parents an anonymous voice to share their feelings and experiences of stigma, resilience and social support, and how these can influence parents psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Parents personal lived experiences of stigma, resilience, social support and stress could assist in identifying influences and predictors of parental stress, and lead to greater understanding of the unique influences on stress levels among TS parents. Findings could guide development of future initiatives targeting stress and stigma interventions, and parental support services.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Research study investigating coping strategies, stress and sleep

This research explores the potential of coping strategies to manage the symptoms of TS, particularly focusing on how certain strategies can influence the severity of tics and associated difficulties, including stress and sleep. These strategies are divided into three categories: primary control (direct actions on the stressor or emotions), secondary control (internal techniques like cognitive reappraisal), and disengagement (distancing oneself from the stressor). Primary and secondary control coping have been shown to improve mental health outcomes in various clinical populations. These coping methods help manage both stress and sleep issues, which could be especially beneficial for young people with TS.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Optimising Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults: Reasonable Adjustments and Special interests and their interplay in therapy and quality of life

This study aims to help enhance therapy for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The project was co-designed with people who have lived experience, ensuring their voices shaped every aspect, from accessibility to the Qualtrics layout and the creation of an explanatory video, making it as accessible as possible, providing the information in both written and video formats so people can choose.

Participants need a diagnosis or self-identification with a neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, autism, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia and some experience receiving therapy or mental health support, at any point in their life.

Please click here for more information and to take part

 

Research study seeking healthcare and education professionals supporting parents/children from ethnic minority groups with neurodevelopmental disorders

The research aims to understand the lived experience of families (parents/carers and young people) who are from an ethnic minority background and whose child has a diagnosed or possible neurodevelopmental disorder. We want to also explore the perceptions and experiences of health (e.g. GPs, mental health professionals, service managers) and education (e.g. teachers, special need co-ordinators) professionals in supporting these families. We hope that our findings will help us be better able to improve the way in which healthcare is delivered in the future.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Participants needed to help inform the development of a feature film

A student at the University of Bristol is seeking support for her research project into TS. As a filmmaker with TS, Alanna has wanted to create a feature film about her experiences for a long time. Having identified that people with Tourette's are underrepresented in the media and often misunderstood, she is keen to do justice to not only her own story, but also to the wider Tourette's community. The research will help with script content and will be written with the consultation of members of the TS community, to ensure it respects the wishes and ideas within the community and portrays the syndrome accurately and authentically. 

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Functional Tic-Like Behaviours: Towards an Understanding of Young Peoples' Experiences

A trainee clinical psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire is researching the experiences of young people living with functional tics. These tics affect everyday life —whether at home, at school, or with friends—in ways that aren’t yet fully understood. This study will give young people a chance to share their story: the impact of the tics, what helps, and what doesn’t. Very little research on functional tics has focussed on young peoples’ actual experiences. By centring their voices, this study hopes to improve how doctors, teachers, and other adults understand and help young people, thereby raising awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing support for functional tics.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Self-stigma in Parents of Young People with Functional Neurological Disorders or Asthma

This study, from University of Oxford, aims to identify whether stigma awareness and self-stigma is higher in parents of young people with FND than parents of young people with a physical health condition (asthma). It also aims to understand whether parents of young people with FND experience higher levels of emotional distress than the control group, and whether this is mediated by levels of self-stigma.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Professional’s experiences of working with children and young people diagnosed with functional tics

Researchers and Clinicians from University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital are looking to recruit Healthcare professionals (registered with the relevant healthcare organisations/bodies) who have worked, or currently work, with children and young people diagnosed with functional tics. There has been a reported increase in young people experiencing functional tics yet there has not been much research into functional tics. Little is known about professionals experiences or working with children and young people living with functional tics. The study aims to qualitatively explore professionals experiences of working with this group of children and young people. 

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Help improve access to healthcare for young people with neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers from the University of Nottingham are looking for young people and their parents/carers from ethnic minority groups with experience of tics or Tourette syndrome to join a patient and public involvement group. They are aiming to take previously researched and evidence-based online behavioural therapy intervention for tics in young people (known as ORBIT – Online Remote Behavioural Treatment for Tics study) and turn it into a patient-ready digital tool deliverable at scale within the NHS. Help shape this new intervention using your personal experiences and knowledge.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Interoception and TS

Researchers at the University of Southampton are interested in finding out more about 'interoception' and how this might affect people with TS and other tic disorders.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Lived Experience of TS 

Exploring the success of pharmacological vs art-based intervention

This study focuses on the lived experiences of 18–25-year-old adults with TS including their self-identity and approaches to self-care. It will investigate the economic and social pressures that individuals face due to their tics, including greater unemployment rates, more strain on social and familial relationships and avoidance of large public spaces. Participants will be asked to question on the pressure to supress tics, tic sensations, attitude to tics- whether humour is used as a coping strategy and intervention attitudes. Social and resultant economic pressures can reduce access to interventions, as well as people’s perceptions of and ability to engage with such interventions.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Exploring the urge to tic in TS

A new research study from University of Nottingham. The aim of this study is to explore which regions of the brain are involved in feelings of urge prior to tics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Understanding the expression of everyday vocal and motor tics in adults

A cross-disciplinary team from the University of Hertfordshire is looking for adult participants (aged 18 or over) who have a confirmed diagnosis or have self-identified as having a Chronic Tic Disorder (such as Tourette syndrome) to join an exploratory workshop. The workshop is a chance for researchers and participants to meet to co-propose how everyday tics may be captured in adults.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

Evaluating healthcare professionals experiences of assessing and treating tics in children and young people in the UK

The research team from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences at University of Nottingham invite healthcare professionals to take part in their latest research study. This study is mapping the provision of tic services in different geographical regions of England and evaluating the barriers and facilitators to providing tic services for children and young people, experienced by healthcare professionals.

Please click this link for more information and to take part

 

 

You can read about previous research projects in our Archive section

Want to know who's behind the research?  Read about our researchers and the studies they are pioneering here