Attachment & Biobehavioral Therapy + Depression Treatment for Depression & Disruptive Behaviors

(ABC+D Trial)

Overseen By Danielle Roubinov, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Suicidality, Autism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 10 weeks

76 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Maternal depression influences the development of children's behavior problems and vice versa; however most interventions singularly address maternal depression or children's behavior problems rather than both. This project assesses the efficacy of an intervention that treats both mothers and children in an integrated manner. Effects are expected to disrupt the reciprocal relations that perpetuate maternal and child mental health problems over time.

Research Team

Danielle Roubinov, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for mothers over 18 with significant depressive symptoms and their biological children aged 2-4 who show heightened behavior problems. Mothers must score at least 16 on the CESD-R depression scale, and children need a score of 18+ on the ECSA behavior assessment. It's not for those with a child diagnosed with autism or mothers with psychosis or active suicidality.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a mother over 18 with depression symptoms scoring 5+ on the PHQ-9.

My child, aged 2-4, has significant behavior issues as per a specific rating scale.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of psychosis or have recently planned or attempted suicide.

Child diagnosis of autism

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 10 weekly sessions of either ABC or ABC+D in their home, focusing on parenting support and maternal mood, stress, and coping

10 weeks

10 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depression and behavior problems after the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch up
• Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch up Plus Depression Treatment

Trial Overview The study tests an integrated treatment approach addressing both maternal depression and children's behavioral issues simultaneously. One group receives Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) plus additional depression therapy, while another just gets ABC to see if combined treatment is more effective.

Participant Groups

Group I: ABC+D Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up plus weekly 5-10 minute videos that additional provide support for mothers' mood, stress, and coping

Group II: ABC Active Control 1 Intervention

Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up, 10 weekly sessions that provide parenting support

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+