Behavior Problems, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Behavior problems, Parent-Child Interaction, Locus of control, Psychiatric symptoms, Depressive symptoms, Attachment
Brief summary
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a type of parent-based intervention, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy will lower symptoms of behavior problems in young children more than treatment as usual.
Detailed description
Behaviour problems, i.e. symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) are among the prevalent psychiatric disorders in children and one of the leading causes of help-seeking for mental health problems in children. There are several efficacious treatments for such problems in young children. However, most of these require that parents meet in groups. This is not always feasible. It is therefore a need to develop treatments that can deal with parents and families individually. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is such an individually based treatment. Efficacy studies indicate symptom reduction greater that in treatment as usual (TAU). However, there is a need to study its effectiveness in ordinary clinical practise. This trial will study its effect in ordinary psychiatric clinics in the middle of Norway and compare it to the regular treatment (TAU) provided to young children with behavior problems in these clinics.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALParent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parents will be trained in interaction with their children in ways which foster non-hostility and cooperation in their children. By means of an ear-plug they will receive instruction on how to play and set limits for their child from their therapist who watches the interaction through a one-way mirror. Treatment is given until the parent masters these skill, which commonly takes 15-20 session of 1 hour.
BEHAVIORALTAU
Usual treatment for behavioral disorders
Sponsors
St. Olavs Hospital
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
2 Years to 7 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Referred to Child mental health specialty clinic for behavioral or attentional/hyperactive problems * ECBI score of \> 120 * 2 to 7 years of age * Parental consent to the study
Exclusion criteria
* Psychosis or serious drug abuse in parents * Lack of sufficient proficiency in Norwegian to fill in the questionnaires * Mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder in the child * Suspicion of parental neglect or abuse of the child warranting a report to the child protection services
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | ECBI is taken at study entry, after 6 months and after 18 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting Stress Index | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Number and degree of perceived stresses by parents |
| Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Parents' attachment to the child |
| Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Parent-child interaction coded from standardized situations |
| Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Depressive symptoms in parents |
| Parental Locus of Control - Short Form (PLOC-SF) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Parents' perceptions of internal versus external locus of control |
| Child Behavior Check List (CBCL)/Teacher Report Form (TRF) | Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months | Psychiatric symptoms as rated by parents and teachers, respectively |
Countries
Norway
Outcome results
None listed