Uncertain effectiveness of multifaceted family-based intervention in the treatment of emotion dysregulation and behaviour difficulties in children

Background

The study examined social skills and affective and behavioural difficulties in clinically referred children 
(aged 5–12) with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Methods

In this observational study design, parents and teachers evaluated children twice over an expected average of 
12 months: at baseline (time 1) and at final evaluation (time 2).

Results

Parent ratings indicated that children displayed decreased emotional dysregulation and behavioural difficulties at the end of the treatment. According to teacher ratings, no changes were detected in school settings. Particularly, co-occurring oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder was associated with decreased social functioning in school settings.

Conclusions

Family-based treatment may lead to decreased emotional dysregulation and behaviour difficulties in children. However, children are at risk for continued self-control deficits, even when treated with intensive psychosocial intervention. Enhanced strategies are required in order to improve children’s functioning in school settings.