CTD_FAI_VALID · Validation of a functional assessment interview procedure for childhood tic disorders
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2007-08-01 → 2009-07-31
- EU contribution
- €80,000
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- IRG
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - CTD_FAI_VALID (Validation of a Functional Assessment Interview Procedure for Childhood Tic Disorders)
Although the neurobiological origins of tic disorders are well established, it is equally clear that actual tic expression is often sensitive to environmental factors. The reliable identification of these factors has considerable treatment implications; however, researchers suggest that the influence of any given factor is highly individualised. As a result, successful behavioural intervention requires the use of a flexible, yet valid method for identifying those environmental factors most relevant to a given individual. The goal of the current study was to investigate the influences of environmental factors on tic expression, while comparing objective and subjective assessments. 30 children and adolescents, aged 7-15, with Chronic Tic Disorder (including Tourette's Syndrome) participated in the study. Each subject completed a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and went through a Functional Assessment Interview (FAI). The FAI is a semi-structured clinical interview, designed for identifying the personalized influences of environmental events on tic expression, focusing on five specific events: Being alone, watching T.V., doing homework, talking to an unfamiliar person, and getting attention for ticcing. At the next stage, the child was videotaped under these five conditions, twice each for the duration of ten minutes. The videotapes were scored for the number of tics, followed by a comparison of tic frequency between the various situations in relation to one another, and in relation to the FAI. Results show significant differences in tic frequency between the five situations, indicating that environmental factors do have individualized influences on tic expression. In addition, a correlation between tic frequency as observed on the videotapes and subject's report on the FAI was conducted, which was found significant only regarding one of these situations, suggesting that self-report may be unreliable. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the etiology and maintenance of tics, considering both neurological and psychological factors. Furthermore, they have important implications for the development and refinement of psychological treatments for tics, especially for planning behavioural interventions which are tailored to each patient and aim to minimise environmentally triggered tics.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Tic expression is sensitive to environmental/behavioural factors. Hence, identifying exacerbating factors can be beneficial. However, the influence of any factor is highly individualized, with more studies being required for exploration of treatment addressing each patient's unique tics. The study will recruit 60 children and adolescents aged 7-15 with Chronic Tic Disorders (CTDs), including Tourette's Disorder, Chronic Motor Tic Disorder, and Chronic Vocal Tic Disorder. Each participant will be required to attend 2 separate sessions. The initial assessment will measure tic severity, comorbid disorders, and cognitive functioning, in order to establish eligibility and to measure variables related to tic reactivity. Also, each will receive a detailed Functional Assessment Interview (FAI), to identify environmental events exacerbating tics. Later, the results of each FAI will be validated by a Confirmatory Experimental Analysis (CEA), where tics are monitored during introduction and removal of factors reported on the FAI to exacerbate tics. FAI validity is limited, and improper use can worsen tics.This study, then, aims to test and develop the FAI, in order to augment effectiveness of behavioural aspects of CTD treatment. This is especially important in light of newly discovered side effects and interactions of medications. The study will take place at Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel, the only highly specialized care hospital in Israel and the Middle East dedicated exclusively to paediatric treatment, being open to every child irrespective of religion, race, or nationality. This is a joint project with UCLA and UWM. The study is relevant to the objectives of the Specific Programme and the Work Programme on numerous levels, promoting reintegration of a physician researcher, safety of illness treatments, empowerment of patients as individuals, and research reaching all regions of the European Union and associated countries.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- SCHNEIDER CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTRE OF ISRAEL · PETACH TIKVAHCoordinatorCountry levelIsrael
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union