Online parent training platform for complementary treatment of disruptive behavior disorders in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial protocol

PLoS One. 2022 Oct 27;17(10):e0272516. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272516. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with a diversity of impairments and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a very frequent comorbidity. Parent Training, as an evidence-based intervention, seems effective in reducing externalizing/disruptive behaviors, possibly leading to a better prognosis. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online parent training model as a complementary treatment for ADHD and ODD.

Methods: Patients and their families will be screened upon their entry into the Research Center of Impulsivity and Attention (NITIDA) at UFMG-Brazil. Ninety families whose children are male, between 6-12 years old, and have significant externalizing symptoms and whose primary caregiver have complete high school education will be invited to participate. Families will be randomized (1:1) into 03 groups: 1) standard care; 2) standard care + face-to-face parent training; 3) standard care + online parent training. Interventions are analogous, differing only in delivery format. In the face-to-face format, the intervention will be conducted by a specialized therapist and the online format will be carried out through a platform. There will be six sessions/modules, arranged on a weekly basis. Measures of externalizing symptoms, parental and children quality of life, parental stress and parenting style will be collected at baseline and after the intervention.

Discussion: This clinical trial intends to verify the effects of a new, online, model of an evidence-based intervention, which would allow a wider access in the Brazilian context.

Trial registration: Registered on Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC). Number: RBR-6cvc85. July 24th (2020) 05:35 pm.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial Protocol
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / therapy
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / therapy
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parenting
  • Parents / education
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Associated data

  • ReBec/RBR-6cvc85

Grants and funding

. The funding sources were Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES); Research Program for the SUS (PPSUS: Foundation for Research Support of the State of Minas Gerais; Secretary of State for Health of Minas Gerais; Ministry of Health Brazil); and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.