RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05637320

Big Feelings: A Study on Children's Emotions in Therapy

Biobehavioural Regulation of Negative Emotion as a Transdiagnostic Mechanism of Children's Psychotherapy

Sponsor

University of Guelph

Enrollment

202 participants

Start Date

Oct 1, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depressive Disorder Anxiety Disorders Mood Disorders Child Behavior Disorders Conduct Disorder Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders Oppositional Defiant Disorder Regulation, Emotion

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about how psychotherapy works for children and adolescents aged 8 - 15 with anxiety, depression, trauma, or disruptive behaviour. The main question it aims to answer is: • Is the biobehavioural regulation of negative emotion a transdiagnostic mechanism of treatment response in psychotherapy for children with anxiety, depression, trauma and/or disruptive behaviour? Children and their parents will be randomly assigned to an evidence-based, transdiagnostic treatment (the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Conduct Problems; MATCH-ADTC) or a waitlist control condition. Participants in both groups will complete a baseline assessment, weekly measures consisting of brief symptom scales and medication tracking, and quarterly assessments every 3 months. Following the intervention/waitlist period, our team will conduct post-test assessments. All assessments, except for the weekly surveys, will consist of symptom scales, clinical interviews, experimental tasks and physiological measures.

Eligibility

Min Age: 8 YearsMax Age: 15 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study examines how children's emotions show up during psychotherapy sessions, using both what children and parents report as well as physiological measures (like heart rate). The goal is to better understand what helps therapy work for kids dealing with anxiety, depression, or behavior issues. **You may be eligible if...** - Your child is between 8 and 15 years old and has English proficiency - You (the parent/guardian) are over 18 and have English proficiency - You are seeking psychological treatment for your child for anxiety, depression, or disruptive behavior concerns **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your child has low cognitive functioning that would prevent participation in research tasks - Your child is not in the 8–15 age range - You or your child are not English-speaking Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALModular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct Problems

The intervention arm will consist of a transdiagnostic psychotherapy program: The Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC). MATCH draws from various domains of evidence-based treatment and consists of 33 treatment modules. There are several core module sequences for problem areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and disruptive behavior, and a clinician can utilize these sequences based on the primary concern of the presenting child. If an individual reports additional stressors or comorbid conditions, the clinician can modify the sequence of the modules to address these comorbidities. MATCH treatment is flexible and is tailored for each individual client.