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Neuropediatrics 2023; 54(02): 099-106
DOI: 10.1055/a-1987-3205
Original Article

Exposure and Response Prevention for Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome Delivered via Web-Based Videoconference versus Face-to-Face Method

Camilla Birgitte Soerensen 
1   Department for Children and Adolescents, Danish Tourette Clinic at Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
,
Theis Lange
2   Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen University, København, Denmark
,
Sidsel Normann Jensen
2   Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen University, København, Denmark
,
Judy Grejsen
1   Department for Children and Adolescents, Danish Tourette Clinic at Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
,
Lone Aaslet
1   Department for Children and Adolescents, Danish Tourette Clinic at Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
,
Liselotte Skov
1   Department for Children and Adolescents, Danish Tourette Clinic at Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
,
Nanette Mol Debes 
1   Department for Children and Adolescents, Danish Tourette Clinic at Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Abstract

Chronic tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome, are characterized by motor and vocal tics. Tics present a considerable burden for some patients, and therefore, effective treatment is important. One evidence-based treatment option is a behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP). Despite its effectiveness, access to ERP remains limited due to a lack of treatment sites. Web-based videoconferences can connect patients at home with a therapist located in the hospital, allowing for treatment delivery over a wide geographic area. The primary aim of this study was to compare the development of tics during and 1 year after ERP delivery, respectively, via web-based videoconferences and traditional face-to-face methods in a naturalistic setting. In total, 116 patients treated using either the face-to-face method (n = 72) or web-based videoconferences (n = 44) were included. The primary outcome measure was tic severity. In both training modalities, tic severity decreased during ERP and the effect lasted in the follow-up period. No statistically significant differences in tic severity between the training modalities were found at baseline, last training session, or at follow-up. Our results suggest that ERP delivered via web-based videoconferences is a good alternative to the traditional face-to-face method.

Keywords

exposure and response prevention - behavioral therapy - web-based videoconference - Tourette syndrome - telemedicine - tics


Publication History

Received: 17 August 2022

Accepted: 18 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 November 2022

Article published online:
11 January 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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