The feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy

Turner-Halliday, F., Watson, N. , Boyer, N. R.S. , Boyd, K. A. and Minnis, H. (2014) The feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. BMC Psychiatry, 14, 347. (doi: 10.1186/s12888-014-0347-z) (PMID:25551365) (PMCID:PMC4302079)

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Abstract

Background: Maltreated children have significant and complex problems which clinicians find difficult to diagnose and treat. Previous US pilot work suggests that Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) may be effective; however, rigorous evidence from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is lacking. The purpose of this study is to establish the feasibility of an RCT of DDP by exploring the ways that DDP is operating across different UK sites and the impacts of current practice on the potential set-up of an RCT. Methods: Qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups and teleconferences) were used to explore trial feasibility with therapists and service managers from teams implementing both DDP and possible control interventions. Data were analysed thematically and related to various aspects of trial design. Results: DDP was commonly regarded as having a particular congruence with the complexity of maltreatment-associated problems and a common operating model of DDP was evident across sites. A single control therapy was harder to establish, however, and it is likely to be a non-specific and context-dependent intervention/s offered within mainstream Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Because a ‘gold standard’ Treatment as Usual (TAU) does not currently exist, randomisation between DDP and TAU (CAMHS) therefore looks feasible and ethical. The nature of family change during DDP was regarded as multi-faceted, non-linear and relationship-based. Assessment tools need to be carefully considered in terms of their ability to capture change that covers both individual child and family-based functioning. Conclusions: An RCT of DDP is feasible and timely. This study has demonstrated widespread interest, support and engagement regarding an RCT and permissions have been gained from sites that have shown readiness to participate. As maltreated children are among the most vulnerable in society, and as there are currently no treatments with RCT evidence, such a trial would be a major advance in the field.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Turner, Ms Fiona and Minnis, Professor Helen and Boyer, Mrs Nicole and Watson, Professor Nicholas and Boyd, Professor Kathleen
Authors: Turner-Halliday, F., Watson, N., Boyer, N. R.S., Boyd, K. A., and Minnis, H.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:BMC Psychiatry
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1471-244X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2014 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Psychiatry 14:347
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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