Study

Parent Coaching to Treat Irritable Moods and Anger Outbursts in Children

Our goal is to determine if 12 sessions of Parent Management Training can reduce anger outbursts and irritable moods in children aged 10 to 14 years old. We are also looking at body responses, like heart rate, that might be used to develop better treatments for irritability.

Why this Research Matters

Irritability is one of the most common reasons that children are seen at mental health clinics. It is a symptom that can seem like a behavior problem (such as tantrums) in young children, but it can also be a warning sign for future problems like depression and anxiety. It is important to study irritability to find better treatments for it.

What to Expect

If you decide to join this study, you will take part in 12 sessions of Parent Management Training with a licensed mental health professional. You will learn ways to help your child with their anger outbursts and irritable moods. Our study team will meet with you and your child before, during and after treatment to check your child's progress. During the meetings with the study team, you and your child will fill out questionnaires and meet with a study team member to talk about your child's feelings and behavior.

Study Duration

This study will last 5-6 months. There are 12 parent coaching sessions in this study. Each session is 30 to 60 minutes for a total of up to 12 hours. This study has four evaluation visits that will take a total of 7 hours. Two of these visits are at the beginning of the study, one is in the middle and one is at the end. You and your child will need to attend two in-person meetings at the Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora for this study. The other meetings and sessions can be online.

Who can Participate

Parent of 10 to 14 year old child

If you are a parent of a 10 to14-year old child with irritable mood and/or anger problems, you and your child may be eligible for this study.

Study ID

Protocol Number: 23-0065

More information available at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06020261

Compensation Information

Compensation

Study Payment: This study pays up to $200. You will receive five $20 gift cards for completing all study visits and your child will receive five $20 gift cards for completing all study visits.