UC DAVIS RESEARCHERS COLLABORATE TO ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OF TOURETTE SYNDROME

Participants with and without the syndrome are encouraged to enroll in a new study

December 22, 2005

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Researchers in neurology, psychology and genetics at UC Davis are launching a collaborative research program on Tourette syndrome. Children with the syndrome, as well as healthy children aged 7 to 13, are encouraged to participate.

Tourette syndrome typically becomes evident in childhood. It is a neurological disorder defined by multiple, involuntary motor and vocal tics. The most common symptoms are facial tics, such as eye blinks, nose twitches or grimaces, and tics of the neck, trunk and limbs.

“The syndrome is exacerbated by stress, runs in families and affects brain function, but we do not know why or how,” said Silvia Bunge, assistant professor of psychology and principal investigator on the study. “Our collaborative approach will help characterize the psychological, genetic and neural underpinnings of the disorder, which can lead to improved treatments and coping strategies.”

Participants in the study will undergo a variety of tests, including psychological assessment, cognitive testing, brain imaging, genetic testing and cortisol sampling. The first of two visits takes place at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute in Sacramento, and involves an initial assessment of thinking, behavior and symptoms, along with collection of saliva and blood samples. The second visit involves an MRI scan at the UC Davis Imaging Research Center in Sacramento. Children can participate in all or part of the study. All participants receive copies of their analyses, up to $110 in compensation, and fun and educational materials about the brain. Those diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder or mild attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in addition to Tourette syndrome, as well as children with no neurological disorders, are also encouraged to enroll.

For more information or to enroll, contact project coordinator Carol Baym at (530) 297-4412 or clbaym@ucdavis.edu. For more information on Tourette syndrome, visit the Web at http://www.tsa-usa.org. 

The UC Davis M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute is a collaborative center for research into the causes, preventions and treatments of autism, fragile X syndrome, learning disabilities and other neurodevelopmental disorders, bringing together parents, scientists, clinicians and educators. For further information, visit  www.mindinstitute.org  .