Effects of Telepsychiatric Parent Training on Caregivers of Children with ADHD (TPT-ADHD) (TPT-ADHD)

March 13, 2025 updated by: Uşak University

Dikkat Eksikliği Ve Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu Olan Çocukların Primer Bakım Verenlerinde Telepsikiyatrik Ebeveyn Eğitimi Programının Etkilerinin İncelenmesi

This study was conducted to examine the effects of a telepsychiatric parent training program implemented for primary caregivers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test, and re-test control group design. It was conducted from March to June 2022 via videoconferencing with primary caregivers of children aged 7-12 years diagnosed with ADHD, registered at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital. Caregivers in the experimental group completed Turkey's first "Telepsychiatric Parent Training" program, featuring nine 60-minute videoconference sessions. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form," "Zarid Burden Interview (ZBI-22)," "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14)," and "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)." Data were collected before the program, after the program, and at the 2-month follow-up. The program was also implemented with caregivers in the control group after the research process was completed. Data from the experimental and control groups were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA. To determine the effect of the intervention, post-hoc power (β) analysis was conducted using the G*Power 3.1.9.7 program, and the level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. Study hypotheses are:

H1: There is a difference in the average scores of the Caregiving Burden Scale (CBS) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

H2: There is a difference in the average scores of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

H3: There is a difference in the average scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for primary caregivers of children with ADHD based on time, group, and the group*time interaction after the application of a parent training program.

All caregivers (100%) successfully completed the program. Caregivers showed significant improvements in caregiving burden, stress levels , and difficulties.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

This study explores the effects of a telepsychiatric parent training program designed for primary caregivers of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts children's behavior, attention, and social interactions, leading to challenges for both the children and their caregivers. This study aimed to assess how a structured, remote training program could help caregivers manage these challenges by reducing caregiver burden, stress, and emotional difficulties.

The research employed a quasi-experimental design, involving both experimental and control groups to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The study was conducted from March to June 2022 with caregivers of children aged 7 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were recruited from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Clinic of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital.

Caregivers in the experimental group participated in Turkey's first "Telepsychiatric Parent Training" program, which consisted of nine 60-minute videoconference sessions. The program was delivered remotely, offering flexibility and ease of access for the participants. The training program was specifically designed to provide caregivers with practical tools and strategies for managing the behavioral challenges of children with ADHD. The sessions covered topics such as ADHD symptoms, parenting techniques, emotional regulation, and stress management.

To measure the effectiveness of the program, data were collected at three points: before the program, immediately after the program, and two months following the program. Several established scales were used to assess various aspects of the caregivers' experiences, including the Zarid Burden Interview (ZBI-22) to evaluate caregiving burden, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to measure stress levels, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess emotional and behavioral difficulties in the children. These tools provided a comprehensive view of the impact of the program on both the caregivers and the children.

The data analysis was conducted using two-way mixed ANOVA to assess the differences across time and between the experimental and control groups. The study's findings revealed significant improvements in caregiving burden, stress levels, and child difficulties, with statistical significance observed across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements. These improvements were further supported by post-hoc power analysis, confirming the program's efficacy in addressing the challenges faced by caregivers of children with ADHD.

This study highlights the positive impact of telepsychiatric parent training on reducing stress, caregiving burden, and child difficulties. The success of this program suggests that similar telepsychiatric interventions can be a sustainable and effective model for supporting caregivers, particularly in settings where in-person interventions may be difficult. Additionally, the involvement of psychiatric nurses in delivering such programs may further enhance the effectiveness of the interventions.

Given that this program is the first of its kind in Turkey, it offers valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of telepsychiatric parent training programs. The results support the idea that expanding such programs could provide significant benefits for caregivers, improving their mental health and quality of life while also benefiting the children they care for.

Future studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and assess their feasibility in a broader context, including different populations and settings. Overall, this research contributes to the growing field of telepsychiatry and offers a promising approach for supporting caregivers of children with ADHD.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

68

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Centrum
      • İzmir, Centrum, Turkey, 35330
        • Dokuz Eylul University

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Willingness to participate in the study.
  • Literacy skills (reading and writing ability).
  • A primary caregiver of a child diagnosed with ADHD (according to DSM V criteria), aged 7-12 years, currently on medication.
  • The primary caregiver must have been responsible for the child's care for at least 3 months.
  • The primary caregiver should be 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • The child has additional mental health conditions such as intellectual disability, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder.
  • The caregiver misses more than three sessions of the intervention.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Non-Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Triple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Telepsychiatric Parent Training Program
Participants in this group received Turkey's first "Telepsychiatric Parent Training" program, which consisted of nine 60-minute videoconference sessions aimed at improving caregiver burden, stress, and child behavioral difficulties.
This study involves a telepsychiatric parent training program for caregivers of children with ADHD. The program includes 9 sessions, each addressing specific topics related to managing ADHD-related behaviors and enhancing parenting strategies. Sessions are primarily delivered through a telepsychiatric platform, such as video conferencing (e.g., Zoom), with additional support provided through text-based communication via platforms like WhatsApp, and, when necessary, follow-up phone calls. The content covers behavior management techniques, stress coping strategies, and skills for managing emotional and behavioral issues in children with ADHD. This intervention is designed to provide accessible, flexible support to caregivers, enhancing their ability to manage their child's condition.
Active Comparator: Routine Care
Participants in this group continued with the routine treatment and services provided to caregivers of children with ADHD at the clinic.
Routine treatment and services (no intervention, participants continue with their usual care)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).

This outcome measures the caregiver burden experienced by parents of children with ADHD. The ZBI-22 assesses various aspects of the emotional, physical, and social burden on caregivers. It evaluates the level of strain experienced by parents in relation to caregiving tasks and their well-being. The total burden score ranges from 0 to 88, with higher scores indicating a greater level of caregiver burden.

Time Frame: The measurement will be taken at pre-test, post-test, and during a follow-up period after the intervention (i.e., 2 months post-intervention) to assess changes over time and group differences.

Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).
Perceived Stress (PSS-14)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).
This outcome measures the perceived stress levels of caregivers using the PSS-14. The scale assesses the extent to which caregivers feel stress in their daily lives, particularly regarding the challenges of caring for children with ADHD. The total perceived stress score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress.
Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).
Emotional and Behavioral Issues in Children (SDQ)
Time Frame: Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).
This outcome measures the emotional and behavioral issues in children with ADHD, as reported by their caregivers. The SDQ assesses various domains, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationships, and prosocial behavior. The total difficulties score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Baseline (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test, approximately Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Time-Related Changes in the Experimental Group
Time Frame: Baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).
This outcome measures the changes in the primary scales (ZBI-22, PSS-14, SDQ) for the experimental group over the course of the study. Specifically, changes between pre-test, post-test, and 2-month follow-up are assessed.
Baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 9), and follow-up at 2 months post-intervention (approximately Week 17).

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Zumra ULKER DORTTEPE, Dr., Dokuz Eylul University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

September 1, 2021

Primary Completion (Actual)

June 30, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

July 31, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 12, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 13, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 25, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 13, 2025

Last Verified

March 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 3786-GOA
  • 2022/3786-GOA (Other Identifier: Dokuz Eylul University Ethics Committee)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

At this stage, a decision has not yet been made regarding the sharing of individual participant data (IPD) due to the need to review data security procedures to ensure the protection of participants' privacy. Additionally, the research data will be used solely for analysis within the study.

Study Data/Documents

  1. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezSorguSonucYeni.jsp
    Information identifier: https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalT
    Information comments: https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezSorguSonucYeni.jsp

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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