Abstract |
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are among the most common reasons for youth referrals to mental health clinics. Aim of this study is to compare short and medium term efficacy of a multimodal treatment program (MTP), compared to community care (treatment-as-usual, TAU). The sample included 135 youths with DBDs (113 males, age range 9-15 years, mean age 12±2.5 years) were assigned either to a MTP (n=64), or addressed to community care for a TAU (n=71). Outcome measures were the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS). All subjects were assessed at the baseline (T0), after 1-year treatment (T1) and after a 2-year follow-up (T2). Compared with patients receiving TAU, youths in the MTP showed, both at T1 and T2, significantly lower scores on CBCL Externalizing Scale, Internalizing Scale, Anxious/Depressed, Social Problems, and Aggressive Behavior, and higher scores at the C-GAS. Improvement in Internalizing Scales was particularly evident, with a shift from the clinical to the non-clinical range. Rate of use of mental health services and scholastic failure were reduced in the MTP. It is suggested that the improvement of the Internalizing symptoms is a crucial component of the therapeutic process in this MTP.
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Authors | Gabriele Masi, Annarita Milone, Marinella Paciello, Francesca Lenzi, Pietro Muratori, Azzurra Manfredi, Lisa Polidori, Laura Ruglioni, John E Lochman, Filippo Muratori |
Journal | Psychiatry research
(Psychiatry Res)
Vol. 219
Issue 3
Pg. 617-24
(Nov 30 2014)
ISSN: 1872-7123 [Electronic] Ireland |
PMID | 25060833
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Aggression
- Anxiety
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
(psychology, therapy)
- Child
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Community Mental Health Services
(statistics & numerical data)
- Depressive Disorder, Major
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Disorders
- Psychotherapy
(methods)
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