Multidimensional family therapy in adolescents with a cannabis use disorder: long-term effects on delinquency in a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundSubstance use and delinquency are considered to be mutual risk factors. Previous studies have shown that multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) is effective in tackling both conditions on the short term. The current study examines the long-term effects of MDFT on criminal offending.Methods109 adolescents with cannabis use disorder and comorbid problem behavior were randomly assigned to either MDFT or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Police arrest data were collected for 6 years: 3 years prior to and 3 years after treatment entry. Using survival analysis and repeated measure General Linear Models (rmGLM), the two treatment groups were compared on number of arrests, type of offence, and severity of offence. Moderator analyses looking at age, disruptive behavior disorders, history of crimes, family functioning, and (severe) cannabis use were conducted (rmGLM).ResultsWhile police arrest rates increased in the 3 years before treatment, the rates decreased substantially after the start of both treatments. No differences were found between the treatment groups with respect to either time to first offence from the start of the treatment or changes in frequency or severity of offending over time. A treatment effect trend favoring MDFT was found for property offending in the subgroup of adolescents with high baseline-severity of cannabis use.ConclusionsAcross a follow-up period of 3 years, MDFT and CBT were similarly effective in reducing delinquency in adolescents with a cannabis use disorder.Trial registration ISRCTN51014277, Registered 17 March 2010—Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN51014277

Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: an Update on Evidence-Based Strategies

“…This suggests MDFT is a promising alternative to residential treatment among youth who meet criteria for a higher level of care and may be less burdensome as an outpatient treatment option [15•]. In addition to demonstrating effectiveness in substance use treatment, MDFT was found to be as effective as CBT in reducing delinquency among adolescents with cannabis use disorder [16] and was more cost effective than CBT when considering costs of delinquency, and not just annual direct medical costs [17].…”

Long-Term Effects of Home-Based Family Therapy for Non-responding Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders. A 3-Year Follow-Up

“…The long-term effects of home-based treatment have been examined with regard to drug abuse and delinquency. van der Pol et al (2018) found that 3 years after treatment, delinquency and cannabis abuse had significantly declined, although no difference was found between multidimensional family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. In another study, dealing with juvenile sexual offenders, the effects of multisystemic therapy were more sustained than for group cognitive behavioral therapy (Letourneau et al, 2013).…”

Assessing the effect of multidimensional family therapy in adolescents on police arrests against a background of falling crime rates. A randomised controlled trial with 7-year follow-up

“…Eight in ten were boys. Seven in ten were of Dutch (Van Der Pol et al 2018). At the time of treatment entry, 66% had a police arrest history (for more information see Table 1).…”

“…For these youths, arrest data were retrieved for 3 years preceding and 3 years following treatment entry. The number of police arrests which rose in 3 years before treatment was initiated and dropped sharply in 3 years thereafter, with no difference seen between MDFT and CBT in the follow-up period, possibly with exception of a property crime measure (Van Der Pol et al 2018).…”