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Treatment of oppositional defiant and conduct problems in young Norwegian children : results of a randomized

Bo Larsson1, Sturla Fossum, Graham Clifford

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, NTNU, Regional Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, N-7489, Trondheim, Norway. bo.larsson@ntnu.no

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|June 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The Incredible Years parent training program effectively reduced conduct problems in young children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). This intervention improved child behavior and decreased parental stress, with lasting positive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) are prevalent in young children, impacting family dynamics and child development.
  • Parenting interventions are crucial for managing disruptive behaviors in children.
  • Previous studies have shown the efficacy of the Incredible Years program, primarily in Anglo-Saxon countries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Incredible Years parent training (PT) and parent training combined with child therapy (PT + CT) programs.
  • To assess the impact of these interventions on child conduct problems, parental strategies, and maternal stress.
  • To examine the long-term outcomes of the interventions at a one-year follow-up.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 127 Norwegian children aged 4-8 years diagnosed with ODD or CD.
  • Participants were randomized into three groups: parent training (PT), parent training plus child therapy (PT + CT), or a waiting-list control (WLC).
  • Standardized measures and semi-structured interviews were used for assessments at baseline, posttreatment, and one-year follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Both active treatment groups (PT and PT + CT) showed significant reductions in child conduct problems compared to the WLC group.
  • Approximately two-thirds of children in the treatment groups functioned within normal limits posttreatment.
  • Parental use of positive strategies increased, while harsh discipline decreased. Maternal stress levels also reduced.
  • Two-thirds of children no longer met the criteria for ODD at the one-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • The Incredible Years parent training program is effective in reducing severe conduct problems in young children.
  • Parent training interventions are vital for families with children exhibiting ODD or CD.
  • This Norwegian replication study confirms the positive outcomes of the Incredible Years program, extending its applicability beyond Anglo-Saxon contexts.

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