Day treatment for disruptive behaviour disorders: can a short-term program be effective?

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates the effectiveness of a short-term day treatment program for children with a primary diagnosis of a Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD) using best-practice treatment strategies. This study, using a wait list control, compared children's admission and discharge test scores on standardized measures of behaviour and functioning, as rated by parents.

METHOD

A repeated measures MANOVA was used to evaluate symptom change.

RESULTS

The treatment group was found to have improved significantly more than the waitlist group on parent reports of externalizing behaviour, aggression, social problems, hyperactivity and parent stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with DBD who attended a short-term day treatment program using best-practice treatment strategies showed significant improvement in their behaviour at home. The current study lends support to the idea that severe DBD can be treated using multi-modal, intensive and evidence-based treatment techniques.