Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in a Multi-Stressed Family Setting: A Case Report

Background: Early-onset conduct disorder has been linked to various etiological factors (e. g., family stress), and frequently is associated with a poor prognosis. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for 2- to 7-year-old children with conduct disorder. To date, data supporting the use of PCIT in Germany are lacking. Case Report: This case report describes diagnosis and treatment of a 3-year-old boy with oppositional-defiant behavior and conduct disorder, living in a multi-stressed family. After a thorough initial assessment, mother and child completed a course of PCIT. This first report of PCIT in a German speaking country discusses specific clinical issues and challenges of working with a multi-stressed family. After 19 therapy sessions the boy no longer met diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder, and his mother showed notable improvements in parenting skills. Treatment results remained stable at 14 month follow-up, and the boy had also made good progress with his language development. Conclusions: This case report suggests that PCIT is a promising intervention also for German preschoolers with conduct disorder, even for children in multi-stressed families.