TABLE 1

Evidence-Based Interventions Shown To Reduce Existing Disruptive Problems in Preschoolers

ProgramAge Range Supported by DataPatient PopulationNo. of Children in Randomized Controlled TrialsFormal Psychoeducation for ParentsReal-Time Observed Parent–Child InteractionsSpecial CharacteristicsDurationFollow-up Duration (If Applicable)Evidence Reflecting Efficacy for ADHD (Effect Size)Evidence Demonstrating Efficacy for ODD and CD (Effect Size)
New Forest32,35  30–77 mo Children with ADHD 202 Yes Yes • Parent–child tasks are specifically intended to require attention 5 weekly sessions n/a Yes (1.9) Yes (0.7) 
• Occurs in the home 
• Explicit attention to parental depression 
IYS parent training, teacher training, and child training32,53,57,59  3–8 y Children with CD, ODD, and ADHD 677 Yes No • Separate parent and child groups 20 weekly 2-h sessions  Yes (0.8) Yes (home behavior, 0.4–0.7; school behavior, 0.7–1.25) 
• Parent training uses video vignettes for discussion 
• Child training includes circle time learning and coached free play 
Triple P,55,60,61 (levels 3 and 4) 36–48 mo Children at high risk with parental concerns about behavioral difficulties (level 4) 330 Yes Yes • Multiple levels of intervention • Primary care = 4 sessions of 15 min 6 and 12 mo: effect size, 0.66 for children <4 y, 0.65 for children >4 y62  No Yes (level 3: 0.69, level 4: 0.96; lower for children <4 y)63  
• Primarily training parents with some opportunities to observe parent–child interactions • Standard treatment is 10 sessions 
• Handouts and homework supplement the treatment  
Triple P online59  2–9 y Children with CD and ODD 116 No No • Interactive self-directed program delivered via the internet 8 modules (45–75 min) 6 mo: effect size from baseline, 0.6–0.7 on ECBI, no effect on SDQ No effect Yes (1.0; by parent report) 
• Instruction in 17 core positive parenting skills 
PCIT37,64,65  2–7 y Children with clinical level disruptive behavior symptoms 358 Yes, minimal Yes • Through a 1-way mirror, therapist coaches parent during in vivo interactions with child Depends on parent skill development Up to 6 y after treatment, fewer signs of disruptive behavior disorder than baseline Minimal Yes (1.45)58  
• Homework requires parent–child interactions 
• Progress through therapy determined by parents’ skill development 
Helping the Noncompliant Child57  3–8 y Children with noncompliant behaviors 350 Yes Yes Involves two phases 1) Differential Attention 2) Compliance training using demonstration, role plays, and in-office and at home practice Depends on parent skill development  6.8 mo Effect size 1.24; inattention 1.09; hyperactivity/impulsivity: 1.21 Yes (but no ES reported) 
ProgramAge Range Supported by DataPatient PopulationNo. of Children in Randomized Controlled TrialsFormal Psychoeducation for ParentsReal-Time Observed Parent–Child InteractionsSpecial CharacteristicsDurationFollow-up Duration (If Applicable)Evidence Reflecting Efficacy for ADHD (Effect Size)Evidence Demonstrating Efficacy for ODD and CD (Effect Size)
New Forest32,35  30–77 mo Children with ADHD 202 Yes Yes • Parent–child tasks are specifically intended to require attention 5 weekly sessions n/a Yes (1.9) Yes (0.7) 
• Occurs in the home 
• Explicit attention to parental depression 
IYS parent training, teacher training, and child training32,53,57,59  3–8 y Children with CD, ODD, and ADHD 677 Yes No • Separate parent and child groups 20 weekly 2-h sessions  Yes (0.8) Yes (home behavior, 0.4–0.7; school behavior, 0.7–1.25) 
• Parent training uses video vignettes for discussion 
• Child training includes circle time learning and coached free play 
Triple P,55,60,61 (levels 3 and 4) 36–48 mo Children at high risk with parental concerns about behavioral difficulties (level 4) 330 Yes Yes • Multiple levels of intervention • Primary care = 4 sessions of 15 min 6 and 12 mo: effect size, 0.66 for children <4 y, 0.65 for children >4 y62  No Yes (level 3: 0.69, level 4: 0.96; lower for children <4 y)63  
• Primarily training parents with some opportunities to observe parent–child interactions • Standard treatment is 10 sessions 
• Handouts and homework supplement the treatment  
Triple P online59  2–9 y Children with CD and ODD 116 No No • Interactive self-directed program delivered via the internet 8 modules (45–75 min) 6 mo: effect size from baseline, 0.6–0.7 on ECBI, no effect on SDQ No effect Yes (1.0; by parent report) 
• Instruction in 17 core positive parenting skills 
PCIT37,64,65  2–7 y Children with clinical level disruptive behavior symptoms 358 Yes, minimal Yes • Through a 1-way mirror, therapist coaches parent during in vivo interactions with child Depends on parent skill development Up to 6 y after treatment, fewer signs of disruptive behavior disorder than baseline Minimal Yes (1.45)58  
• Homework requires parent–child interactions 
• Progress through therapy determined by parents’ skill development 
Helping the Noncompliant Child57  3–8 y Children with noncompliant behaviors 350 Yes Yes Involves two phases 1) Differential Attention 2) Compliance training using demonstration, role plays, and in-office and at home practice Depends on parent skill development  6.8 mo Effect size 1.24; inattention 1.09; hyperactivity/impulsivity: 1.21 Yes (but no ES reported) 

n/a, not available; ECBI, Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory; SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; CD, conduct disorder; ODD, oppositional defiant disorder.

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