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Presenter: Maribel Matos, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Discussant/Mentor: Theodore Petti, M.D., UMDNJ-RWJMS

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Puerto Rican Young Children with Hyperactivity and Behavior Problems

Authors: Maribel Matos, José Bauermeister, Rocheli Santiago, Michelle Jurado, Ixa Rodríguez,
     Eduardo Cumba, Rosalie Torres, Guillermo Bernal 

Background: 
This study evaluates the initial efficacy of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for Puerto Rican preschool children aged 4 - 5 years with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), combined or predominantly hyperactive type, and significant behavior problems.  PCIT is a well-researched and empirically supported treatment for behavior problems in young children. 

Methods: 
Thirty-two families were randomly assigned to immediate treatment (IT; n=20) or a 3.5 –month waiting-list condition (WL; n=12).  Participants from both groups completed pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments.   A 3.5 month follow-up assessment was done for the participants in the treatment condition.  Outcome measures included questionnaires about children’s behavior, parents or family functioning, and parents’ satisfaction with treatment.

Results:
After treatment (n=19) children showed a tendency to present lower levels of hyperactivity, less aggressive and oppositional-defiant behaviors, less externalizing behaviors, and significant reduction in general behavioral problems. Mothers reported a highly significant reduction in those behaviors they assessed as problematic and in the parenting stress associated to their children’s behavior.  Mothers also reported an increase in the use of adequate parenting practices.  Concerning the WL group (n=12), results indicated that there were no clinically significant changes in any measure.  Ancovas with pretreatment measures entered as covariates were significant for all posttreatment outcomes in the expected direction (p<.01).  Treatment gains obtained after treatment were maintained at the follow-up assessment.

Conclusions: 
Preliminary data suggests that PCIT seems to be a responsive family intervention for Puerto Rican families who have younger children with significant behavior problems and an effective treatment to significantly reduce the behavior problems associated with ADHD comorbid with behavior problems.