A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Videoconference vs. Face-to-Face Delivery of Behavior Therapy for Youths With Tourette Syndrome in the Time of COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of online remote behavior therapy, compared with face-to-face therapy in reducing tics and co-occurring disorders associated with the tics in a sample of youths with Tourette Syndrome. Design: A randomized controlled trial. TS patients were randomized to receive face-to-face or online remote behavior therapy. Participants: 40 children aged between 9 and 16 years affected by Tourette Syndrome. Results: Online remote and face-to-face behavior therapy are equally effective in the treatment of tics and co-occurring disorders in children and adolescents affected by Tourette Syndrome. Both groups showed an improvement in the severity of tics, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, as assessed by neuropsychological findings. Online remote behavior therapy was more effective for reducing depressive symptoms than face-to-face behavior therapy. Conclusions: Online remote behavior therapy is a promising tool for behavioral therapies for patients with Tourette Syndrome and may represents an alternative treatment option.