Exploring the Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Tourette Syndrome
Key facts
- Where
- Salt Lake City, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 8 and 12 years old?
Source: NCT05281445, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of UtahSalt Lake City, United StatesContact: Michael Himle, PhDTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Utah
- Trial code
- NCT05281445
- Record updated
- 6 October 2026
- Original description
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a disabling neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. The studies proposed in this application will explore the endocrine mechanisms underlying two of the least well-understood biological characteristics of TS, namely its marked male predominance and stress susceptibility. In particular, our exploratory studies will characterize the steroid profile in TS-affected boys and girls to identify novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disorder.Read full original descriptionShow less
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a disabling neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics. The studies proposed in this application will explore the endocrine mechanisms underlying two of the least well-understood biological characteristics of TS, namely its marked male predominance and stress susceptibility. In particular, our exploratory studies will characterize the steroid profile in TS-affected boys and girls to identify novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disorder.
Inclusion: Diagnostic criteria of TS for cases (and lack of any tic disorders for controls); Age between 8 and 12 years old (this age range is to ensure that TS participants can perform the tic suppression task); confirmation of sexual development by parent and/or self-reported Tanner stage of pubic hair development.
Exclusion: use of therapies that can modify hormonal profile; major psychiatric disorders such as a psychotic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder; other neurological disorders; clinically significant endocrinological disorders; pharmacotherapies that may change stress sensitivity, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics.