Which statement describes a self-regulation technique for tic disorders that focuses on awareness and competing responses?

Which statement describes a self-regulation technique for tic disorders that focuses on awareness and competing responses?

• A. Relaxation training
• B. Habit-reversal training
• C. Self-monitoring
• D. Cognitive-behavioral therapy addressing stress management

Answer: (B)

Habit-reversal training uses awareness of the tic urge and a competing response that is physically incompatible with the tic to interrupt and reduce tic behaviors. The idea is to first recognize the premonitory signals or situations that trigger a tic, then immediately perform a voluntary, incompatible movement or posture instead of the tic. With practice, this strengthens voluntary control over tics and often lowers their frequency and intensity. For example, if a tic involves a shoulder shrug, the person might clasp their hands in their lap or keep their shoulders down as a non-tic response when they notice the urge. While relaxation or self-monitoring can help with related factors, they don’t center on the specific combination of urge awareness and a practicing competing response that defines habit-reversal training.

Habit-reversal training uses awareness of the tic urge and a competing response that is physically incompatible with the tic to interrupt and reduce tic behaviors. The idea is to first recognize the premonitory signals or situations that trigger a tic, then immediately perform a voluntary, incompatible movement or posture instead of the tic. With practice, this strengthens voluntary control over tics and often lowers their frequency and intensity. For example, if a tic involves a shoulder shrug, the person might clasp their hands in their lap or keep their shoulders down as a non-tic response when they notice the urge. While relaxation or self-monitoring can help with related factors, they don’t center on the specific combination of urge awareness and a practicing competing response that defines habit-reversal training.