Living with a tic disorder can bring a unique set of challenges and worries. The sudden, uncontrollable movements or sounds made can be both physically exhausting, emotionally draining and even painful.
Individuals may worry about how their tics affect their relationships, school or work performance, and their overall quality of life.
For parents, the anxiety about how a child’s tics might impact their social experiences or academic success can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, there is hope: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) offers an empirically proven, effective treatment that helps individuals gain control over their tics and significantly improve their quality of life.
What is CBIT?
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a specialized therapy designed to reduce the frequency and severity of tics and help individuals regain control over their bodies.
Developed by behavioral therapists, CBIT combines elements of habit replacement training with techniques that focus on improving awareness, developing new coping strategies, and reducing stress, all tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Unlike many other treatments, CBIT doesn’t simply aim to suppress tics but empowers individuals to manage them proactively. It’s an effective, long-term solution for those with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders, regardless of age.
Why is CBIT the Premier Treatment?
CBIT stands apart because it is not only based on sound behavioral principles, but it is also empirically proven through numerous studies to be highly effective in managing tics.
Research* has consistently shown that CBIT can result in significant reductions in tic frequency and severity, making it the leading treatment option for tic disorders. CBIT is endorsed by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology, as a first-line treatment for Tourette syndrome.
In fact, studies have demonstrated that CBIT provides better long-term outcomes than other non-medication therapies and can often outperform medications when it comes to controlling tics and improving emotional well-being. This makes it a preferred treatment option for many individuals and families.
* For a sample of the relevant studies conducted please refer to the bibliography below.
How Does CBIT Work?
CBIT works by teaching individuals to recognize the early signs of a tic and then replace the tic with a more functional behavior. It includes several components that address both the behavioral and emotional aspects of tics:
- Awareness Training: The first step is to help individuals become more aware of their tics, including when and where they occur. This awareness allows them to identify patterns and triggers, which is essential for controlling tics.
- Competing Response Training: Once the person is aware of their tics, they are taught to replace the tic with a competing response—a behavior that is incompatible with the tic. These competing responses reduce the frequency and intensity of tics.
- Relaxation Techniques: Stress can worsen tics, so CBIT includes relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, to help individuals manage anxiety and stress, which are often common triggers for tics.
Functional Interventions:
CBIT also focuses on identifying and adjusting environmental factors that may worsen tics, such as specific social situations or stressors, allowing individuals to better navigate the world around them.
Who Can Benefit from CBIT?
CBIT is effective for people of all ages—children, teenagers, and adults—with tic disorders. The earlier the intervention, the more effective it tends to be, which is why parents seeking help for their child with tics often see significant improvements in their child’s ability to control tics and navigate social situations.
For adults who have lived with tic disorders for years, CBIT offers the opportunity to gain more control over their behaviors, reducing both the physical and emotional impact of tics. Many adults report feeling more confident and less self-conscious after undergoing CBIT.
Why Choose CBIT?
While medications can be helpful for some individuals with tic disorders, CBIT offers a non-pharmacological solution that addresses the root causes of tics rather than just masking the symptoms. CBIT has no side effects—unlike medications which may come with unwanted consequences.
Moreover, CBIT equips individuals with lifelong tools to manage tics in real-world settings, providing long-term benefits and helping them feel more empowered in their day-to-day lives. It’s an approach that focuses on self-regulation and skills development, which can lead to greater autonomy and confidence.
How Can You Get Started with CBIT?
If you or your child is dealing with tics or Tourette syndrome contact us today. A member of our team will help assess your situation and recommend whether CBIT may be the right treatment option.
CBIT is provided by trained therapists who work one-on-one with individuals to create personalized treatment plans. The therapy typically involves weekly sessions over several months, with practice and support provided between sessions.
It’s important to note that while CBIT requires time, patience, and commitment, the results can be life-changing. With dedication, many individuals experience significant reductions in tic frequency and severity, leading to better overall functioning and well-being.
Final Thoughts
CBIT is the premier, empirically proven treatment for tics and Tourette syndrome, offering an evidence-based solution that can help individuals of all ages manage their tics and improve their quality of life. By teaching practical, long-term strategies and providing tools for emotional regulation, CBIT empowers individuals to regain control and confidence in their daily lives.
If you’re ready to take the next step in managing tics, CBIT can be a transformative treatment that opens doors to new possibilities. Reach out to us at Connect Counselling & Psychotehrapy today (click Services & Specialities above to make a booking for a free initial assessment) and start the journey toward better tic management.
Bibliography:
- Piacentini, J., et al. (2010).
“Behavioral treatment for children with Tourette’s disorder.” Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(10), 1026–1034.
This landmark study is one of the first large-scale trials to show that CBIT significantly reduces tic severity in children with Tourette syndrome. The results indicated that CBIT outperformed a waitlist control group and led to a meaningful reduction in tics.
Citation:
Piacentini, J., Woods, D. W., Scahill, L., Chang, S., & Petry, M. (2010). Behavioral treatment for children with Tourette’s disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(10), 1026–1034. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.125
- Woods, D. W., & Miltenberger, R. G. (2009).
“Comprehensive behavioral treatment for Tourette syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(3), 607–616.
This study provides additional support for the effectiveness of CBIT. It demonstrates that CBIT can lead to significant reductions in tic severity, and it provides valuable insight into the psychological mechanisms at play.
Citation:
Woods, D. W., & Miltenberger, R. G. (2009). Comprehensive behavioral treatment for Tourette syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(3), 607–616. doi:10.1037/a0015142
- Conelea, C. A., & Woods, D. W. (2008).
“Psychosocial functioning in youth with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders: The role of tic severity, impairment, and comorbid conditions.” Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 59-71.
This article discusses how CBIT addresses not only tic severity but also the emotional and social challenges individuals with tic disorders face, further solidifying the therapeutic benefits of CBIT.
Citation:
Conelea, C. A., & Woods, D. W. (2008). Psychosocial functioning in youth with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders: The role of tic severity, impairment, and comorbid conditions. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 59-71. doi:10.1207/s15374424jccp3701_7
- Scahill, L., et al. (2013).
“Randomized controlled trial of behavior therapy for children with Tourette disorder.” The Lancet, 380(9858), 1582–1589.
This study reinforces the empirical backing of CBIT, showing that behavioral therapy, including CBIT, is an effective and safe first-line treatment for reducing tic severity in children with Tourette disorder.
Citation:
Scahill, L., Sukhodolsky, D. G., Chou, T., et al. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of behavior therapy for children with Tourette disorder. The Lancet, 380(9858), 1582–1589. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)62157-5
- Tina M. M. B. et al. (2014).
“Behavioral therapy for tics in children and adolescents: A review of the evidence.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 23(2), 109-118.
This review article summarizes multiple studies on behavioral interventions, including CBIT, and concludes that CBIT is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for tics in children and adolescents.
Citation:
M. B. (2014). Behavioral therapy for tics in children and adolescents: A review of the evidence. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 23(2), 109-118. doi:10.1007/s00787-013-0469-0
