RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Matching Assessment and Treatment for Children With Disruptive Behaviour and Their Parents

This study is looking into how we can give the best support to children aged 6 to 12 who have challenging behaviours, sometimes called Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD). We're also working with their parents. Our main goal is to figure out if knowing more about a child's emotions, thoughts, and how they interact with others, along with similar information about their parents, can help us predict which type of treatment will work best for them. We'll be focusing on two main types of therapy: child talking therapy (cognitive behavioural treatment) and special coaching for parents (behavioural parent training). By carefully looking at this information before and after treatment, we hope to create more personalised and effective ways to help families.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Oct 2022

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Disruptive Behavior Disorder Emotional Disorder Behavioural Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Conduct Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder

What is this study about?

This research study is all about helping children aged 6 to 12 who are experiencing challenging behaviours, sometimes grouped under the term Disruptive Behaviour Disorder. This might include difficulties like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder, which can make daily life tough for both children and their families. The study also involves their parents, as family support is a key part of helping children.

The main idea behind this study is to see if we can get a clearer picture of children and their parents by looking at various factors like their feelings, how they think, and how they interact with each other. We believe that if we understand these things better, we might be able to offer more personalised and effective treatments. We'll be focusing on two types of therapy: 'child cognitive behavioural treatment,' which helps children understand and change their thoughts and feelings, and 'Behavioural Parent Training,' which gives parents tools and strategies to manage their child's behaviour.

By gathering information before and after these treatments, we want to see if certain patterns or 'profiles' of children and parents can predict who will benefit most from each type of therapy. This means we might be able to match children and families with the treatment that is most likely to help them thrive. Ultimately, this research aims to improve how we support children with behavioural challenges and make sure they get the right help at the right time.

Key takeaways

This study explores how to match children with challenging behaviours to the best therapy.
It involves children aged 6-12 and their parents.
The focus is on understanding a child's emotions, thoughts, and behaviour patterns.
Participants will receive either child talking therapy or parent coaching.
No medication is involved; the treatments are behavioural.
Your involvement could help improve future therapies for families.

Who may be eligible?

The study is looking for children between 6 and 12 years old who are experiencing significant difficulties with their behaviour. Generally, this means their behaviour is causing noticeable problems at home or school, such as struggling with friends, schoolwork, or following rules.

To be considered, a child would need to show certain levels of behavioural difficulties on special questionnaires filled out by their parents or teachers. They would also need to have challenges in their daily life due to these behaviours. Additionally, a parent or guardian must be willing and able to take part in group therapy sessions.

However, some children might not be suitable for this study. For example, if a child has a diagnosis or is being investigated for conditions like autism or Asperger's, or if they have learning difficulties that might make it hard for them to take part in the group activities, they wouldn't be able to join. The study also isn't right for children or parents whose emotional or behavioural challenges would make it difficult to participate in a group setting, or if they prefer to have individual therapy instead of group sessions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 6 and 12 years old?
Does your child have noticeable difficulties with their behaviour which are affecting daily life?
Are you, as a parent or guardian, able and willing to attend group sessions?
Has your child NOT been diagnosed with, or is not being investigated for, autism or Asperger's?
Does your child NOT have a diagnosed learning disability?
Are you and your child generally comfortable with the idea of group therapy rather than individual sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you and your child join this study, you would both take part in therapy sessions. Before starting therapy, and again after it's finished, you and your child would complete some questionnaires and activities. These would help the researchers understand more about your child's behaviour, your family's emotions, and how you interact. These assessments might involve short tests or games designed to look at thinking skills.

The therapy itself would involve group sessions for both children and parents. The exact number and length of sessions would be explained in full by the research team. There are no medications involved in this study. The total time you'd be involved, including assessments and therapy, would be explained to you before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. Your child might learn new ways to manage their behavior and emotions, and you as a parent might gain new skills and strategies to support your child. You'll also be contributing to important research that could help other families in the future by improving how we understand and treat challenging behaviours. As with any group therapy, some people might find it uncomfortable to share personal information, and there's no guarantee that the treatments will work for everyone. However, the study team will be experienced in leading these groups. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's usual care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of behaviours are you looking at?

We're looking at challenging behaviours in children, sometimes called Disruptive Behaviour Disorder. This can include things like difficulty following rules, outbursts, hyperactivity, or trouble focusing.

Will my child automatically receive therapy if we join?

Yes, if eligible for the study, your child and you as a parent would participate in group therapy sessions as part of the research.

How long will the study last?

The full length of your involvement, including assessments and therapy, will be clearly explained by the study team before you agree to participate.

Do we have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. The focus is on talking therapies and parent training.

What if we change our minds about participating?

You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason, without any negative impact on your child's care.

How to find out more

Brendan F. Andrade, PhD

brendan.andrade@camh.ca 416-535-8501 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.