Evaluation of a psychoeducation group for children presenting with functional tic-like behaviours

Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2024 Jul;29(3):1011-1025. doi: 10.1177/13591045241237829. Epub 2024 Mar 13.

Abstract

We describe the implementation and evaluation of an online psychoeducation group for young people experiencing functional tic-like behaviours (FTLBs) - a type of functional neurological disorder (FND). Across six groups, 50 participants completed pre- and post-group goal-based outcomes (GBOs) and 36 participants completed service-user feedback, which gathered qualitative and quantitative data about participants experiences of the group. Young people and their parents reported significant improvement in their GBOs following the group and increased knowledge and confidence in managing FTLBs. The findings highlight that virtual psychoeducation group intervention is an acceptable and effective first step in treatment of young people with FTLBs. We discuss implications for future intervention development.

Keywords: Functional symptoms; functional tics; group work; psychoeducation; tic disorder.

Plain language summary

We describe an online psychoeducation group for young people experiencing functional tic-like behaviours (FTLBs) – a type of functional neurological disorder (FND). Across six groups, 50 participants completed goal-based outcomes (GBOs) before and after the intervention. A total of 36 participants completed service-user feedback, which gathered data about participants experiences of the group. Young people and their parents reported significant improvement in their GBOs following the group and increased knowledge and confidence in managing FTLBs. The findings highlight that virtual psychoeducation group intervention is an acceptable and effective first step in treatment of young people with FTLBs. We discuss implications for future intervention development.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / education
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods
  • Psychotherapy, Group* / methods
  • Tic Disorders / therapy