Pilot study of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a therapeutic intervention for TouretteSyndrome

Researchers at The University of New South Wales and Macquarie University are seeking volunteers with a diagnosis of TouretteSyndrome to participate in research trialling a new intervention for Tourette Syndrome. The intervention, called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique.

Would the research project be a good fit for me?

The study might be a good fit for you if:

  • You are aged 12 years or older.
  • You have a diagnosis of TouretteSyndrome.
  • You are fluent in English.
  • You do not have epilepsy or a history of seizures, previous head or brain injuries, any implanted cranial devices, skin lesions on your scalp, or a history of drug abuse.
  • You do not have a psychotic illness.
  • You are not pregnant.
  • If you are taking psychotropic medications to manage tics, the dose must have been stable for at least six weeks prior to participation, with no planned changes during the course of the study.
  • You are able to complete video calls on Skype (i.e., have a camera installed and internet access).

What would happen if I took part in the research project?

If you decide to take part you would receive a six-week course of tDCS (3 sessions per week, 18 sessions in total) in addition to three weeks of pretend treatment (3 sessions per week, 9 sessions in total) either before or after your six weeks of tDCS – this will help us to establish how effective tDCS is. Your first two treatment sessions would take place at Macquarie University, and you would be able to complete further sessions at your home using a portable unit programmed by an investigator on the project. In order to examine whether tDCS is effective in reducing symptoms of TouretteSyndrome, you would be asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire, a brief interview, and a task assessing inhibitory function before, at points during, and after treatment. Some of these assessments will require you to travel to Macquarie University.

Will I be paid to take part in the research project?

There are no additional costs associated with participation in this research project, nor will you or the participant be paid.

Who do I contact if I want more information or want to take part in the study?

If you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study please contact:

Name: / Professor Valsamma Eapen, Professor & Chair, Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Email: /
Phone: / 02 9616 4205

If you are a patient of Professor Valsamma Eapen and you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study please contact:

Name: / Dr Richard Baker, Psychiatrist
Email: /
Phone: / 9700 3172