The Effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program in Reducing Tics (motor & vocal) in a Sample of Children with Tourette Syndrome

Abstract

The current study aims verifying a behavior modification program (BMP) effectiveness, based on cognitive behavior modification strategies, in reducing (motor and vocal) tic levels among individuals with Tourette syndrome .The study sample comprised (10) children with Tourette syndrome aging between (9-17 years old).To achieve the study goals, the experimental approach was followed. Research tool were developed by Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS). The BMP consists of (12) sessions, one session per week and (60) minutes for each session. The study results indicated that there are significant statistical differences at (α = 0.05) of performance level of the sample on the pre and post tests on the YGTSS motor, vocal, damage assessment, and on the overall totals in favor of the post test. No Statistically significant differences at (α = 0.05) were found based on gender, age variables on tic levels (motor/vocal) of the sample in the post test. The results also indicated that there were no statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) between performance means levels of the sample on the post and sequential tests which can be attributed to the behavior modification program effect on both (Motor/vocal) dimensions, on all sub-dimensions of each dimension including(number, frequency, intensity, complexity, overlap of tics), as well as damage assessment and the total score of the scale.