The purpose of this study is to test whether short, time-limited parent education programs designed to help children diagnosed with ADHD and disruptive behaviors can be helpful to families that may not be able to participate in "traditional" forms of mental health care. In short, the researchers want to know if a new program is acceptable and helpful for parents or caregivers looking for ways to help their child with problem behaviors related to ADHD. The researchers hope to enroll 60 families in the study. Half will be randomly assigned to participate in a 7-session therapy program and the other half will be asked to wait 24 weeks before being offered the treatment. Parents in the study will fill out questionnaires at week 1, week 14, and week 24.
The researchers' goal is to answer 2 specific questions. 1) Is this protocol acceptable to families and do they choose to participate and 2) Are the researchers able to accurately measure our outcomes of interest, specifically, changes in children's behavior problems, changes in parenting practices, and parents' perceptions of mental health care.
This study is focused on whether the intervention and study methods are acceptable. The researchers will compare the two groups to see if there are differences, but it would require a larger group of children and parents before the researchers can determine whether these differences are meaningful .
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 8 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Children between ages 3-8 receiving services at the developmental pediatrics clinic at DH Lebanon referred by their physician for help with disruptive behaviors.
. A diagnosis ADHD, ODD, Adjustment Disorder with Conduct, or Disruptive Behavior Disorder documented in the chart.
. Family participating is capable of receiving in-person or telehealth care and treatment materials in English
Exclusion criteria
. Primary concern that would indicate that behavioral parent training would not be the treatment of choice at the time of referral, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, previously untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD, or Reactive Attachment Disorder. The study clinician may also use clinical judgment that the intervention is inappropriate for a particular child's needs at any point during intervention.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in ADHD-5
Timeframe: Measured at baseline, 14 weeks post baseline, and 24 weeks post baseline.
2
Change in Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory
Timeframe: Measured at baseline, 14 weeks post baseline, and 24 weeks post baseline.
3
Change in Impairment Rating Scale
Timeframe: Measured at baseline, 14 weeks post baseline, and 24 weeks post baseline.
4
Treatment Acceptability as evidenced by The Treatment Evaluation Inventory-Short Form
Timeframe: Measured only at 14 weeks after baseline in the treatment group.
5
Treatment acceptability as evidenced by Parent Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire
Timeframe: Measured only at 14 weeks after baseline in the treatment group.
6
Changes in Clinician Global Impairment
Timeframe: Measured at baseline and 14 weeks after baseline. Treatment group only.
. Currently receiving outpatient therapy at the time of referral. The study will not exclude children on psychotropic medications, but will document medication status and changes to medication throughout treatment.
. Severe history of physical or mental impairment (e.g., intellectual disability, global developmental delay). Child must be capable of verbal communication with a parent.
. Children who are in foster care or are currently wards of the state.