The Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

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

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.

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.

Behavior problems, Parent-Child Interaction, Locus of control, Psychiatric symptoms, Depressive symptoms, Attachment

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.

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

Bjorseth A, Wichstrom L. Effectiveness of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in the Treatment of Young Children's Behavior Problems. A Randomized Controlled Study. PLoS One. 2016 Sep 13;11(9):e0159845. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159845. eCollection 2016.