A Randomized Controlled Trial on Brief Behavioral Parent Training Versus Care as Usual in Children With Behavioral Difficulties

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a brief and individually tailored behavioral parent training program for children aged 2 to 12 years who have behavioral difficulties such as oppositional, defiant, aggressive, hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors. The study aims to compare this new short parent training with care as usual (CAU) in mental healthcare centers, focusing on both short- and long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The trial addresses current challenges like limited access to certified therapists and high dropout rates due to the length and rigidity of standard programs. Parents in the intervention group participate in three sessions over three to four weeks: two individually tailored sessions lasting two hours each, followed by a one-hour evaluation and maintenance session. Optional booster sessions are available once every four weeks for up to one year after the program to help maintain improvements. The control group receives usual care, which may include psychoeducation, counseling, longer parent training, medication, or family therapy. Both treatments are delivered within routine Dutch mental health care, and therapists receive specialized training and supervision to deliver the brief program. Participants provide information and complete various assessments at baseline, one week after treatment, six months, and twelve months later. These include parent questionnaires, audio recordings of mealtime routines, and daily phone calls to monitor child behavior, parenting stress, and parent-child relationships. Researchers also evaluate program feedback from parents and therapists, treatment costs, and health utilities. The total participation spans about one year, with careful monitoring to ensure treatment fidelity and ethical standards.

A Randomized Controlled Trial on Brief Behavioral Parent Training