ADAPT: a new parenting program to help depressed parents improve their kids’ behavior
Official title: Optimizing Treatment for Depressed Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems (OPTED): A Randomized and Controlled Trial
Run by University of Toronto · NCT07749521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new parenting program called ADAPT tests whether tailored support for parents with depression helps reduce their child’s emotional and behavioral problems better than the standard Incredible Years Parenting Program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2030 |
| Study ends | August 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07749521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18+ whose child (6–11 years old) has elevated emotional/behavioral problems and who have mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Parents with active suicidality, substance use disorders, psychosis, non-English speakers, or children with autism or intellectual disability may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study compares a depression-tailored Behavioral Parent Training (ADAPT) to the established Incredible Years Parenting Program in families with children aged 6–11. It is a 4-year, individually randomized, parallel-group trial aiming to enroll about 210 caregiver–child pairs from multiple Toronto-area centers. Participants must have a parent with mild to moderate depressive symptoms and a child with clinically elevated emotional or behavioral difficulties, with virtual group delivery. Outcomes will focus on changes in child problems and parent factors, using standardized assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ADAPT could offer a more effective option for depressed parents to help their children with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: Prior behavioral parent training programs are effective for many families, but depression in parents can hinder outcomes; this study tests whether tailoring improves results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or above 2. 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) 3. parent shows clinical elevations for mild-moderate depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) (\>4 and \<15) 4. capacity to tolerate a virtual group context assessed by clinical interview Exclusion Criteria: 1. Parent shows active suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, or psychosis 2. they cannot communicate in English 3. child previously diagnosed with autism or an intellectual disability
Where it's running
-
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brendan Andrade, PhD
- Email: brendan.andrade@utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-946-5905
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.