An evaluation of the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention on repetitive behaviors associated with Tourette’s syndrome.

Chad T. Wetterneck & Douglas W. Woods. (2006) An evaluation of the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention on repetitive behaviors associated with Tourette’s syndrome. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 441-444.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) was evaluated as treatment for three repetitive behaviors in an 11-year-old boy using a multiple baseline across behaviors design. The repetitive behaviors and associated self-reported distress were eliminated. At 3-month follow-up, the frequency for two of the three behaviors returned to baseline levels. This study demonstrates that ERP may be a useful treatment for repetitive behaviors, although booster sessions may be needed to maintain the treatment effects.

DESCRIPTORS: Tourette’s syndrome, tics, behavior therapy, exposure and response prevention