Genetic Linkage/Association Study of Tourette Syndrome
Family Genetic Study of TS, ADHD and OCD
Importance of Genetic Research:
In addition to gaining information about how psychiatric disorders are expressed, we are interested in identifying familial patterns of inheritance as well as susceptibility genes. We invite family participation and ask for DNA samples, which are typically obtained through a blood sample. Knowledge gained from this kind of work will help investigators in the identification of genes related to these disorders. Once related genes are located, we may begin to understand how the specific genes operate, why a particular disorder occurs, and how the disorder is transmitted in families. Such knowledge is vital to the development of treatment and prevention strategies.
In our efforts to learn more about the genetics of psychiatric disorders, we are currently conducting two studies. To learn more about these two studies, please continue reading below. To determine if your family is eligible for either of these studies, please click here.
A Genetic Linkage/Association Study of Tourette Syndrome
This study is being conducted by the Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for Genetics (TSAICG), with researchers located throughout the
Who is eligible to participate in this research?
- We are seeking individuals over the age of 6 who have been diagnosed with TS. (For children, we also require the involvement of a parent.)
What is involved?
- We will interview the participant (or his/her parent if this is a child) about any tics, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and attention difficulties that they may have had. Additionally, we will ask for demographic information, prenatal/early developmental history, psychiatric history and medications, and social behaviors. This interview may take 1-2 hours per person and can be completed in person or over the telephone. We will also have the participant complete two questionnaires at home and then mail them to us.
- Each particpant will provide a blood sample. If you agree, the blood samples that we collect from you will be sent directly to the NINDS/Coriell cell repository. At the NINDS/Coriell cell repository, your sample will be used to create a cell line, which will provide an ongoing supply of your DNA for research. Click here to read detailed information about the NINDS/ Coriell cell repository and its procedures.
- Typically, total research participation lasts 2-3 hours. The in-person visit can be completed at either our MGH lab or in your own home - whichever is more convenient for you.
- Study-wide, we are seeking a total of 2100 individuals.
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A Family Genetic Study of Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
The goal of the Family Genetic Study is to uncover the genetic and non-genetic factors important in the development of Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The main purpose of this work is to collect information about behavioral patterns that are shared in common by these disorders. We will also look at whether those behavioral patterns are inherited. This study is funded by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Who is eligible to participate in this research?
- We are looking for families with at least one child age 6 or older who is diagnosed with TS, OCD, and/or ADHD.
What is involved?
- We will collect information from the affected child, any siblings, and both parents by using interviews and questionnaires. Some of the interviews are the same as those from the Genetic Linkage/Association study. If you participate in both studies, you only have to complete the interviews once, and we will use your information in both studies.
- All family members will complete activities and games that focus on attention, impulsivity, eye-hand coordination, etc. We will have you do tasks on the computer, as well as draw shapes and solve problems.
- We will ask each family member for a blood sample. The samples will be used to compare the DNA within the family with that of other participants in the study. If you agree, the blood samples that we collect from you will be sent directly to the NINDS/Coriell cell repository. At the NINDS/Coriell cell repository, your sample will be used to create a cell line, which will provide an ongoing supply of your DNA for research. Click here to read detailed information about the NINDS/ Coriell cell repository and its procedures.
- Individual participation may take 3-6 hours to complete the study activities, interviews, and questionnaires. Only one in-person study visit is required. These in-person visits can occur in either the family's home or at MGH - whichever is more convenient for the family.
- In total, we are seeking approximately 700 children diagnosed with TS, ADHD, and/or OCD and their immediate family members.
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Thank you!
We want to extend a sincere thank you to all of the
families who participate in
our studies.
Everything we have learned so far and everything we will learn in the future is made possible by your generous participation.
Participate
in our research!
Help us learn more about Tourette
Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
and Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD).
Click here
to learn how!
185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114. Tel: 617 726-0891. Toll Free: 800 471-2730. E-mail us
