Internet parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) in medically ill child: A case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Psychiatry
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Behavioral problems in medically ill children pose significant challenges.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in therapeutic service delivery.
• Internet-parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) offers a potential solution for home-based treatment.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old girl with electrical status epilepticus in sleep, frontal lobe executive function deficit, and ADHD presented with severe behavioral issues.
• These issues included inattentiveness, aggression towards siblings, and difficulties at daycare.
• The patient also experienced sleep disturbances.

Findings:

• Home-based I-PCIT was successfully implemented for the patient.
• The intervention significantly improved the child's disruptive behaviors.
• A combination of I-PCIT and methylphenidate contributed to the child's success at home and school.

Implications:

• Home-based I-PCIT is a feasible and beneficial treatment for behavior problems in medically ill children.
• I-PCIT adaptations, including home-based and internet-based models, warrant further research for pediatric populations.
• Investigating combined treatment protocols for medically ill children is crucial.