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Day treatment for disruptive behaviour disorders: can a short-term program be effective?
Susan Jerrott1, Sharon E Clark, Isabel Fearon
1IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. susan.jerrott@iwk.nshealth.ca
Summary
A short-term day treatment program significantly improved behavior in children with Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD). This evidence-based approach reduced externalizing behaviors, aggression, and hyperactivity, offering hope for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD) presents significant challenges for children and families.
- Effective, evidence-based interventions are crucial for managing DBD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term day treatment program for children diagnosed with DBD.
- To assess treatment outcomes using standardized measures of behavior and functioning.
Main Methods:
- A waitlist control design was employed.
- Parent-reported standardized measures assessed behavior and functioning at admission and discharge.
- Repeated measures MANOVA was utilized to analyze symptom changes.
Main Results:
- The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the waitlist control group.
- Key improvements were observed in externalizing behaviors, aggression, social problems, and hyperactivity.
- Parental stress levels also significantly decreased in the treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Short-term day treatment utilizing best-practice strategies is effective for children with DBD.
- Intensive, multi-modal, and evidence-based treatments can successfully manage severe DBD.
- Positive behavioral changes were noted in the home environment.
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