Research Projects Currently Underway
The research group under the leadership of Dr. James F. Leckman has secured several federal and private grants to study the causes and treatment of Tourette's Syndrome (TS), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related childhood psychiatric disorders. In order to further our understanding of these disorders we obtain a comprehensive set of data on all subjects which allows a multidimensional analysis. Specifically, we collect information on brain structure and function, neuropsychological function, family and developmental history, symptom severity and blood samples for genetic testing. Listed below are some of the primary studies underway as part of this effort.
Anger Control Training for Children and Adolescents with TS: Yale Child Study Center is conducting a research study of Anger Control Training for children and adolescents with TS and disruptive behavior. This is a psychological/educational intervention that consists of ten 50-minute individually administered sessions. Click here for more information on this study.
Genetic Linkage Studies: This purpose of this study is to localize the TS gene. The genetic linkage studies of TS at Yale began in the early 1980s. They have grown into an international collaboration partly funded by the Tourette's Syndrome Association. Under the leadership of Dr. David Pauls and Dr. James Leckman, Yale has emerged as a primary site for the study of high density linkage pedigrees and affected sib-pair study.
Magnetic Spectroscopy Imaging: The Yale Child Study Center is actively recruiting participants for a one-time magnetic imaging pilot study. The study uses radio and magnetic fields, but no x-ray radiation. The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between tics and levels of neurotransmitters, such as GABA and homocarnosine, which play a role in modulating excitability within the brain. Whether or not these neurotransmitters are integral to the physiology of tics remains unclear. Much current research into the course and treatment of Tourette's syndrome is focusing on possible dysregulation of neurotransmitters. Click here for more information on this study.
Neuroimaging (MRI) Studies: The purpose of this study is to collect information on brain structure and function in order to evaluate specific brain regions of individuals with TS, OCD and ADHD compared to nonaffected individuals. Neuropsychological data are also collected to augment the information from MRI scans. We conduct standard structural MRI scans to look for differences in specific brain regions as well as differences in overall brain volume. Functional MRI scans are also done with some subjects which involve performing simple tasks during the scan in order to determine which cortical areas are active and the degree of their activation.
Neurobiological Studies: These studies are designed to examine the role of specific neurobiological systems in mediating the severity of TS, OCD and ADHD. One question being addressed is the relationship between the occurrence of TS and prior infections, such as streptococcal pharyngitis. It has been hypothesized that in some cases of TS or OCD an autoimmune reaction is initiated by these infections, and that the resulting antibodies cause dysfunction of relevant brain regions.
Parent Management Training Yale Child Study Center is actively recruiting participants for its Parent Management Training (PMT) Program. Click here for more information on this study.