Comparing two parenting programs for depressed parents of children with behavior problems
Tests a new parenting program against standard training for depressed parents.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Optimizing Treatment for Depressed Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)Toronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT07749521
- Record updated
- 9 November 2026
- Original description
Standard Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is often less effective for parents experiencing depression. As such, the Addressing Depression and Positive Parenting Techniques (ADAPT) intervention is a novel BPT tailored to address the unique emotional and cognitive needs of depressed parents to improve treatment outcomes.Read full original descriptionShow less
Optimizing Treatment for Depressed Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems (OPTED): A Randomized and Controlled Trial
Standard Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is often less effective for parents experiencing depression. As such, the Addressing Depression and Positive Parenting Techniques (ADAPT) intervention is a novel BPT tailored to address the unique emotional and cognitive needs of depressed parents to improve treatment outcomes.
The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of ADAPT in reducing child emotional and behavioral difficulties compared to the gold-standard Incredible Years Parenting Program (IYPP).
This study is a 4-year, individually-randomized group treatment (IRGT), parallel-group trial. We aim to recruit 210 caregivers and their children (aged 6-11 years) seeking treatment for their child's emotional and behavioral difficulties from multiple mental health centres across Toronto, including but not limited to the University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Women's College Hospital (WCH).
Participants will be asked to complete research measures:
* before randomization * post-treatment * 6 months after the end of treatment
Participants will be randomized to either the experimental ADAPT intervention - A 10-session virtual program (1 individual, 9 group) focused on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and cognitive restructuring, or the control intervention: Incredible Years Parent Program (IYPP) - A 12-session gold-standard BPT delivered virtually.
Inclusion: 18 years of age or above; has a child aged 6-11 years with clinically elevated emotional and behavioural disorders (Abnormal Range, 90th percentile or above) on the Total Difficulties Scale or the Conduct Problems subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); parent shows clinical elevations for mild-moderate depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) (>4 and <15); capacity to tolerate a virtual group context assessed by clinical interview.
Exclusion: child previously diagnosed with autism or an intellectual disability; Parent shows active suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, or psychosis; they cannot communicate in English.