Parent Management Training to help children with irritability

The Efficacy of Parent Management Training to Treat Irritability

Not applicable Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06020261

This study is testing a training program for parents to see if it can help reduce anger and irritability in children aged 10 to 14.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 14 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT06020261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-session Parent Management Training program designed to reduce irritability in children aged 10-14 years. The program focuses on equipping parents with strategies to manage their child's anger outbursts and cranky moods. Participants will undergo assessments before, during, and after the treatment to measure changes in the child's behavior and emotional functioning. The study will involve up to 18 families and is intended to inform a larger study planned for Fall 2025.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 10-14 who exhibit clinically significant irritability and have a parent or guardian willing to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric instability, severe psychopathology, or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve emotional regulation and reduce irritability in children, benefiting both the children and their families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using Parent Management Training for behavioral issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinically significant irritability (Clinician Affective Reactivity Index 30 or greater)
* parent or guardian willing to participate in treatment with the child

Exclusion Criteria:

* psychiatric instability (danger to self/others, risky substance abuse)
* current active Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a severe active stressor (e.g. child abuse)
* history of severe psychopathology with an established alternate treatment (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability)
* general medical condition that may be driving irritability or prevent generalizable physiologic measures.
* screen positive for an intellectual disability via Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Second Edition (WASI II) estimated Intelligence Quotient (IQ)\<70.

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Irritable MoodTemper TantrumAngerirritabilityangerparentingtemper outburstsParent Management Training
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.