TicTrainer

TicTrainer implements reward-enhanced exposure and response prevention (RE–ERP) to deliver automated differential reinforcement of tic-free periods (DRO) aimed at increasing voluntary tic suppression duration in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS).

Key Features:

• RE–ERP implementation: Implements reward-enhanced exposure and response prevention (RE–ERP) as the behavioral framework for tic suppression training.
• Automated DRO: Performs automated differential reinforcement of tic-free periods (DRO) to provide contingent rewards for extended tic-free intervals.
• External tic monitor support: Requires or supports an external tic monitor (e.g., parent or caregiver) to observe and confirm tic-free periods.
• Masked comparison capability: Provides an optional masked comparison between DRO and noncontingent reward conditions for research on reinforcement effects.
• Data handling: Does not store personally identifiable health information (PII).

Scientific Applications:

• Tic suppression training: Applied to increase the duration of voluntary tic suppression in individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) using RE–ERP and DRO.
• Reinforcement contingency research: Enables masked comparison of DRO versus noncontingent reward conditions to study the impact of contingent reinforcement on tic expression.
• ERP-based intervention research: Supports investigation of exposure and response prevention (ERP)-based approaches for tic disorders and TS.

Methodology:

Implements RE–ERP via automated differential reinforcement of tic-free periods (DRO) with external observer-confirmed tic-free intervals and an optional masked comparison between DRO and noncontingent reward conditions, while not storing personally identifiable health information.