Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

CBIT (Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics) is a technique that research has shown can significantly reduce tic severity. The assumption with tics, both motor and vocal, is that tics can get better or worse on their own. Tics are often done in response to a feeling or an urge, and that tics can be stopped for at least a short amount of time. CBIT is an all-encompassing technique that incorporates changing the environment to reduce the likelihood of tics, increasing the awareness of tics, refusal to give in to the urge for the tic, and changing the complex nature of each individual tic to become more discreet or non-existent. Children, adolescents, and adults are all able to use CBIT to reduce motor and vocal tics. CBIT also takes a wellness approach in that recommendations for changes in diet, exercise, and sleep schedules will be addressed to reduce the frequency or severity of tics.