Program to help parents with depression and improve parenting skills for children with emotional and behavioral difficulties

Optimizing Treatment for Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems (OPTED)

Not applicable Interventional Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NCT04298437

This study tests a program that helps parents with depression improve their mental health and parenting skills to better support their children with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04298437 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program focuses on addressing the mental health needs of parents who have children experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. It recognizes the bidirectional relationship between parental depression and childhood issues, aiming to provide targeted interventions that enhance both parental well-being and child behavior. The intervention includes group sessions that teach positive parenting techniques while also addressing the parent's depression. By fostering better parent-child interactions, the program seeks to break the cycle of emotional and behavioral challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include parents over 18 with a child aged 6 to 10 who show signs of depression and whose children exhibit emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, or those whose children have Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disabilities may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health of parents and the emotional and behavioral outcomes for their children.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in addressing parental mental health to improve child outcomes, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Parent is over the age of 18 years and has a child between the ages of 6 and 10;
* Parent shows clinical elevations for Depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ);
* The child has clinically elevated Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (T-score of 65, Borderline range, 93rd percentile) on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Conduct Problem or Total Difficulties subscales);
* The parent's has capacity to tolerate a group context.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parent shows active suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, or psychosis;
* Parent is not suitable for group treatment based on clinical interview;
* Parent cannot communicate in English;
* Child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability (based on parent report).

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations

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 DepressionEmotional ProblemDisruptive Behavior DisorderAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderConduct DisorderOppositional Defiant DisorderBehavior ProblemEmotional and Behavioural Difficulties
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.