Randomized trial of parent management training in children with tic disorders and disruptive behavior

J Child Neurol. 2006 Aug;21(8):650-6. doi: 10.1177/08830738060210080201.

Abstract

Oppositional, defiant, and disruptive behaviors are common in clinical samples of children with tic disorders. In this study, we sought to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a structured parent training program in children with tic disorders accompanied by disruptive behavior. Children with tic disorders and at least a moderate level of disruptive behavior were randomly assigned to a 10-session structured parent management training program or to continue treatment as usual. Twenty-four children (18 boys and 6 girls) between the ages of 6 and 12 years (mean 8.9 +/- 2.0 years) were enrolled; 23 subjects completed the study. At baseline, subjects showed moderate to severe levels of oppositional and defiant behavior. Twenty subjects (83%) were on stable medication. The parent-rated Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale score decreased by 51% in the parent management training group compared with a decrease of 19% in the treatment as usual group (P < .05). On the Improvement scale of the Clinical Global Impression, a rater masked to treatment assignment classified 7 of 11 subjects who completed parent management training as much improved or very much improved compared with 2 of 12 subjects in the treatment as usual group (Fisher exact test, P < .05). These results suggest that parent management training is helpful for short-term improvement in disruptive behavior problems in children with tic disorders. Larger randomized clinical trials are needed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / complications
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / therapy
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Connecticut
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Parents / education*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Tic Disorders / complications
  • Tic Disorders / psychology*
  • Tic Disorders / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome