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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01085305

The Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Behavior Problems Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Conduct Disorder Depression Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Age range

2 year–7 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

barne- og ungdomspsykiatrisk klinikk, Helse Midt-Norge, Trondheim, Sør-trøndelag, Norway

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About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Behavioral

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.

TAU

Behavioral

Usual treatment for behavioral disorders

Primary outcomes

  1. Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    ECBI is taken at study entry, after 6 months and after 18 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Parent-child interaction coded from standardized situations

  2. Parenting Stress Index

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Number and degree of perceived stresses by parents

  3. Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Parents' attachment to the child

  4. Child Behavior Check List (CBCL)/Teacher Report Form (TRF)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Psychiatric symptoms as rated by parents and teachers, respectively

  5. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Depressive symptoms in parents

  6. Parental Locus of Control - Short Form (PLOC-SF)

    Time frame: Pre intervention, 6 months, 18 months

    Parents' perceptions of internal versus external locus of control

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Other

Collaborators

  • St. Olavs Hospital

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Treating Behavior Problems in Young Children

Important dates

Study start
2006
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Mar 11, 2010
Registry last updated
Sep 15, 2016

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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