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Exploring the Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Tourette Syndrome

Sponsor: University of Utah • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05281445

Registry updated: 2026-10-06

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Description

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.

Interventions

Tic suppression task (Behavioral)
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.

Eligibility criteria

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 modify hormonal profile; * pharmacotherapies that may change stress sensitivity, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics.

Conditions

Tourette Syndrome in Children

Locations

University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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