The primary nonpharmacological treatment used to treat the tics themselves is called Habit Reversal. For a review of Habit Reversal's effectiveness please read the following article.

Miltenberger, R. G., Fuqua, R. W., & Woods, D. W. (1998). Applying behavior analysis with             clinical problems: Review and analysis of habit reversal. Journal of Applied                         Behavior Analysis, 31, 447-469.

The primary nonpharmacological treatment used to treat compulsive behaviors associated with tic disorders is known as Exposure and Response Prevention.  Although rarely tested with persons with Tourette's Syndrome, preliminary research from the HDRL suggests the intervention has promise to reduce compulsive behaviors in persons with TS.  

To view the results of the preliminary study, click on the reference below.

Woods, D. W., Hook, S. S., Spellman, D. F., & Friman, P. C. (2000). Case study: Exposure             and response prevention for an adolescent with Tourette's Syndrome and OCD.             Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 39, 904-907.

The Tic Disorders Specialty Clinic uses a multi-media format in it's educational intervention.  Currently the intervention is being systematically tested for it's effectiveness in improving attitudes and behavior toward persons with tic disorders.  This research is being conducted in the affiliated Behavior Therapy and Research Laboratory.

We have now completed a study evaluating the effects of a peer education video produced by the Tourette's Syndrome Association on the attitudes and behaviors directed toward persons with Tourette's Syndrome.  The paper will be published in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities.  For a copy of the paper click on the link below.

Woods, D. (2002). The effect of video based peer education on the social acceptability of             adults with Tourette's Syndrome. Journal of Developmental and Physical                         Disabilities, 14, 51-62.