PATH Study

PATH (Patient-Centered Approaches in Tic Healthcare) is a research study examining treatment goals and experiences of adults and children ages 9 and older who experience tics. Participating in PATH includes doing a phone screen, 1-2 virtual assessments, and filling out surveys. This study is funded by the Tourette Association of America (TAA).

For more information, please complete our study interest form.

the PATH study logo, a hilly, green landscape with a brown road through the middle and a large yellow sun above the road

Goal of PATH

The goal of the PATH study is to hear directly from individuals who have tics about their experiences. We hope to learn more about why people seek treatment for tics and how treatments address patient goals. 

PATH wants to expand Tourette treatment outcomes by:

  • identifying patient and family motivations for seeking treatment,
  • refining common themes using qualitative data analysis,
  • developing a bank of treatment outcomes that better reflect patient experiences, wants, and needs, and, finally,
  • sharing what we’ve learned with patients, clinicians, and researchers.

Who Can Participate?

You may be eligible to participate if you or your child:

  • Are an adult or child ages 9 and up
  • Have had motor and/or vocal tics for at least 1 year
  • Are seeking treatment for tics OR have had prior treatment for tics
  • Are fluent in English

What is Involved in the PATH Study

Participants will complete surveys and an assessment where we will ask about your experiences with tics and thoughts on tic treatment. Participants may also be contacted for a follow-up assessment 4 months later. Assessments are expected to take 2 hours. PATH is a completely virtual study. All participants will be compensated for their time.

  • Phone screen (~10 minutes)
  • Assessment (2 hour Zoom call)
  • Potential Follow up Assessment (2 hour Zoom call)

Why is it Important?

For treatment (such as CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics), medication, or transcranial magnetic stimulation) to be successful and helpful, it’s important for clinicians and patients to work toward common goals. Understanding more about why patients and families seek treatment and what their experiences have been might help close this gap. Our team hopes it could help make treatment more effective and satisfying for patients, families, and clinicians.