"Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for tic disorders": Theoretical and treatment implications.

Abstract

“Evidence-Based Psychosocial Treatments for Tic Disorders” (Cook & Blacher, 2007) provided a current and comprehensive summary of the evidence base for psychosocial approaches to these conditions, and concluded that habit reversal training meets established criteria as an empirically supported treatment. This commentary delves further into the theoretical implications of the treatment outcome findings for chronic tic disorders (CTDs), and highlights the importance of conducting studies that better elucidate the mechanism underlying symptom reduction. We maintain that significant advances in our understanding of these mechanisms will improve our understanding of the causal and maintaining factors in CTDs, which in turn will inform treatment refinements. We also believe that this line of research will improve the acceptability of these psychosocial approaches among all of those who encounter CTDs in clinical practice.