←Tourette Syndrome
Study register · detail Systematic Review · Tourette Syndrome · 2025

Emerging therapeutic approaches for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders - a systematic review of current clinical trials.

Hage et al. ·European child & adolescent psychiatry Impact 3.3
Unclear GRADE High 9 citations
Samplek = 21 Studien
Durationunclear
EndpointNumber of registered clinical…
Blindingunklar
DesignSystematic Review
Key finding

Overview of 21 ongoing clinical trials on novel therapeutic approaches for Tourette syndrome and tic disorders; effectiveness of individual interventions is not reported.

Summary

Systematic review of current clinical trials in Tourette syndrome and tic disorders; k=21 registered studies identified (WHO and NIH registries). Pharmacological candidates include the dopamine D1 antagonist ecopipam, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor gemlapodect, and cannabis-based therapies. Further approaches: CBIT, neurostimulation (TMS, DBS), traditional Chinese medicine, microbiota transplantation. Overall limited research landscape.

P
PopulationPatients with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders (ongoing clinical trials)
I
InterventionVarious therapeutic approaches incl. pharmacotherapy (ecopipam, gemlapodect, cannabis-based therapies), behavioural interventions, neurostimulation, traditional Chinese medicine, microbiota transplantation
O
OutcomeOverview of 21 registered ongoing/planned studies; 7 with focus on pharmacotherapy; no pooled effect sizes reported
Confidence in the evidence
High

The highest of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is very reliable.

Quality profile
Sample size ★★★★★
Blinding —
Effect size —
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Hage A, Kramer R, Dunlap M, Mechler K, Muller-Vahl KR, Nagy P
DOI 10.1007/s00787-024-02637-x↗
Design: Systematic Review
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Abstract
Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders typically treated with behavioral techniques or pharmacological interventions, primarily antipsychotics. However, many patients do not achieve sufficient response to conventional treatments, underscoring the need for further research in this area. To provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing research activities, we systematically searched the clinical registries of the World Health Organization (WHO) and of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) for currently planned or ongoing registered clinical studies. Our search identified 21 registered studies, of which seven focus specifically on pharmacological interventions. Potential candidates include the dopamine D1 antagonist ecopipam, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor gemlapodect, and cannabis-based therapies. Additionally, several studies are exploring behavioral interventions including Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT) and mindfulness training, neurostimulation including MRI-navigated transcranial stimulation, theta burst stimulation, and deep brain stimulation, traditional Chinese medicine, and other approaches such as microbiota transplantation. Despite the range of research activities underway, the overall landscape remains limited. In this report we will discuss the findings, current developments, and relevant aspects concerning future research including clinical, scientific, and patient perspectives.
Indication
Further studies on Tourette Syndrome
All studies →
S Koppel et al. · 2014 · Neurology
545 citations
Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical Cannabis in selected neurologic disorders [RETIRED]
Mixed Systematische Review

AAN-Leitlinie (Guideline Development Subcommittee) — Systematische Review über k=34 Studien (davon 8 Class I) zu medizinischem Cannabis bei neurologischen Erkrankungen. Für Tourette-Syndrom: orale Cannabinoide von unbekannter Wirksamkeit (insufficient evidence). Risiko schwerer psychopathologischer Nebenwirkungen ~1%. [RETIRED-Status]

10.1212/wnl.0000000000000363 View study →
S Pringsheim et al. · 2019 · Neurology
249 citations
Comprehensive systematic review summary: Treatment of tics in people with Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders.
Clear benefit Systematic Review

American Academy of Neurology Leitlinie basierend auf systematischer Review zu Tic-Behandlung bei Tourette-Syndrom. Hohe Konfidenz für Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics vs. Psychoedukation. Moderate Konfidenz für Haloperidol, Risperidon, Aripiprazol, Tiaprid, Clonidin, OnabotulinumtoxinA, 5-ling granule, Ningdong granule und Tiefenhirnstimulation des Globus pallidus zur Tic-Reduktion vs. Placebo. Niedrige Konfidenz (möglicherweise wirksam) für Pimozid, Ziprasidon, Metoclopramid, Guanfacin, Topiramat und Tetrahydrocannabinol. Evidenz für verschiedene Nebenwirkungen (Gewichtszunahme, medikamenteninduzierte Bewegungsstörungen, erhöhte Prolaktinspiegel, Sedierung, kardiovaskuläre Effekte).

10.1212/wnl.0000000000007467 View study →
A Rice et al. · 2024 · European child & adolescent psychiatry
24 citations
Efficacy of cannabinoids in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders among children and adolescents: a systematic review.
No benefit demonstrated Systematic Review

Systematische Review zu Cannabinoiden bei neuro­psychiatrischen und neuro­entwicklungs­bedingten Störungen bei Kindern/Jugendlichen (≤18 Jahre); k=18 eingeschlossene Artikel zu 8 Störungsbildern, davon n=3 zu Tourette-Syndrom. Nur 1 RCT identifiziert; Rest: 1 Open-Label-Studie, 3 unkontrollierte Vorher-Nachher-Studien, 2 Fallserien, 11 Fallberichte — hohes Bias-Risiko. Schlussfolgerung: limitierte und generell schlechte Evidenzqualität für Cannabinoid-Wirksamkeit.

10.1007/s00787-023-02169-w View study →

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius