Mentalization-based intervention for parents with mental disorders

A Transdiagnostic Mentalization-based Intervention (LIGHTHOUSE Parenting Program) Versus Care as Usual for Parents With Mental Disorders in Adult Mental Health Service: a Randomised Clinical Trial

This study is testing a new parenting program to see if it can help parents with mental health issues do better and support their children more effectively than standard care.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 170 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Gentofte Municipality, Capital Region and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06315114 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the short and long-term effects of the Lighthouse MBT Parenting Program, a transdiagnostic mentalization-based intervention, compared to standard care for parents with mental disorders. The trial addresses the significant impact of parental mental health on child outcomes, aiming to prevent adverse effects on children of parents suffering from mental disorders. It involves a randomized, two-arm, parallel group design conducted at a single center in Denmark, focusing on parents seeking treatment for specific non-psychotic disorders. The study aims to fill the gap in evidence-based interventions for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents over 18 years old with non-psychotic mental disorders who are fluent in Danish and have regular contact with their children.

Not a fit: Patients with learning disabilities, certain personality disorders, or those requiring specialized treatment for comorbid psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health of parents, thereby reducing the risk of adverse outcomes for their children.

How similar studies have performed: While there is a growing body of evidence supporting mentalization-based interventions, this specific approach targeting parents with mental disorders is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria exclusive to the Outpatient Clinic

* Age \>18 years
* Seeking treatment for one of the following non-psychotic disorders according to ICD-10: obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders (F40-42), posttraumatic stress disorder (DF43), personality disorders (F60-61), or one of the previous disorders and a drug-or alcohol related disorder (F10-19) (i.e. 'dual diagnosis disorder')

Inclusion Criteria exclusive to the trial:

* Parent of at least one child aged 0-17 years of age at baseline
* Fluent i.e., sufficient Danish language skills
* Parent is living with child or is in regular contact (min. 5 days monthly)
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria exclusive to the Outpatient Clinic:

* Possibility of a learning disability (IQ\<75)
* A diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder
* Presence of a comorbid psychiatric disorder that requires specialist treatment elsewhere
* Concurrent psychotherapeutic treatment outside the clinic

Exclusion Criteria exclusive to the trial:

* Acute suicidal risk or state of crises
* Lack of informed consent
* Acute child endangerment
* Participation in another parenting focused intervention simultaniously

Where this trial is running

Gentofte Municipality, Capital Region and 1 other locations

• Psychotherapeutic Centre Stolpegaard — Gentofte Municipality, Capital Region, Denmark (RECRUITING)
• Psychotherapeutic Centre Stolpegård — Gentofte Municipality, Denmark (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Emilie Hestbaek, Msc in Psyc.

Conditions: Mental Disorder, Behavior Disorders, Diagnosis, Psychiatric, Diagnosis Dual, Severe Mental Disorder, Mental Illness, Psychiatric Disorder, Psychiatric Disease