Psychosocial Intervention for Young Children With Chronic Tics

The existing CBIT protocol includes a functional assessment procedure designed to identify relevant contextual variables (both antecedent and consequent) impacting tic expression and guide the development of an individualized behavioral program to neutralize these contextual influences in the service of tic reduction and psychoeducational component. Given the central role that negative social reactions typically play in tic exacerbation and maintenance, psychoeducation about tics is systematically provided to parents, siblings, and other caretakers and prominent individuals in the child's life. The other primary CBIT component, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), is used to weaken or eliminate the negative reinforcement cycle created by tic-contingent reduction in premonitory urge.