Evaluation of a cognitive-behavioural program for the management of chronic tic and habit disorders

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a manualized cognitive-behavioural program based on habit reversal for the management of chronic tic disorder (CTD) and habit disorder (HD). Forty-seven CTD and 43 HD received a 4-month treatment program. Thirty-eight (22 CTD, 16 HD) were placed on a waitlist control group, which subsequently received treatment. The treatment approac h combined awareness training, relaxation (including modification of a tens ion-producing style of action), and habit-reversal training, with more gene ral cognitive restructuring of anticipations linked to ticcing. Sixty-five percent of completers reported between 75 and 100% control over the tie. At 2-year follow-up, 52% rated 75-100% control. There were also significant c hanges post-treatment in measures of self-esteem, anxiety, depression and s tyle of planning action. Successful tic/habit modification was associated i n CTD and HD groups with successful change in style of planning action. The re were no consistent differences in any outcome measures between CTD and H D groups. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.