The feasibility and acceptability of a preventive intervention programme for children with depressed parents: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundOne of the most important risk factors for childhood depression is being the child of a depressed parent. These at-risk children have two to four times the probability of having an affective episode compared with their peers. Preventive interventions such as Beardslee’s Preventive Intervention Program (PIP) that are targeted at children of depressed parents have proven effective in many countries. The PIP is a family-based approach that works by promoting resilience in children and increasing positive interactions within the family. In this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), we will determine the acceptability and feasibility of an adapted version of this intervention in Chile.Methods/designWe are conducting a pilot RCT with a manualized intervention. The intervention will be delivered in seven weekly sessions at the family home. It is targeted mostly at parents but will also measure outcomes among the children. Control subjects will follow their treatment as usual. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed by recruitment, adherence, dropout and level of missing data, as well as the burden of scales and measurement tools. Families will be followed for 11 months.DiscussionGiven the negative lifelong consequences of depression and the burden they represent, preventive programmes are not only feasible but necessary. Despite the successful implementation of this intervention in different countries, an adaptation to the Chilean reality will be prerequisite. The results of this pilot study will inform a definitive trial that will make the case for its national implementation.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov trial identifier: NCT02593266. Registration date: 30 Octo 2015.

Family Talk versus usual services in improving child and family psychosocial functioning in families with parental mental illness (PRIMERA—Promoting Research and Innovation in Mental hEalth seRvices for fAmilies and children): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Family functioning has not been typically assessed in previous evaluations of FT despite the fact that enhanced family communication and cohesion are key intervention goals. One previous study has assessed family functioning using intensive clinician interviewing of families [ 25 ], although it should be noted that two ongoing evaluations of FT have included it as an outcome, albeit using measures that take considerably longer to administer than the SCORE-15 [ 28 , 29 ]. The SCORE-15 has been used as a brief measure of family functioning in evaluations of family therapy with populations that share a clinical profile similar to the sample in the current study [ 53 ].…”

“…Family Talk (FT) was developed by William Beardslee and colleagues in the USA in the 1980s and is a manualised, 7-session, strengths-based, psycho-educational, whole-family approach designed to enhance family communication and understanding of parental mental illness, improve family interpersonal relationships, and promote child resilience and utilisation of social supports [ 23 ]. In recent years, the programme has also been evaluated in Germany using a quasi-experimental design [ 27 ] and is currently being piloted in Chile [ 28 ] and Greece [ 29 ] using RCTs. Positive effects on child understanding of mental illness, child resilience, and internalising symptoms have been reported at post intervention and at 1.5- and 4.5-year follow-ups across the five FT evaluations [ 23 – 27 ].…”

Family Talk Versus Usual Services In Improving Child And Family Psychosocial Functioning In Families With Parental Mental Illness (PRIMERA - Promoting Research And Innovation In Mental Health Services For Families And Children): Study Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Family functioning has not been typically assessed in previous evaluations of FT despite the fact that enhanced family communication and cohesion are key intervention goals. One previous study has assessed family functioning using intensive clinician interviewing of families [25], although it should be noted that two ongoing evaluations of FT have included it as an outcome, albeit using measures that take considerably longer to administer than the SCORE-15 [28,29].The SCORE-15 has been used as a brief measure of family functioning in evaluations of family therapy with populations that share a clinical pro le similar to the sample in the current study [53]. An effect size of 0.5 was reported.…”

“…Family Talk (FT) was developed by William Beardslee and colleagues in the US in the 1980s and is a manualised, 7 session, strengths-based, psycho-educational, whole-family approach designed to enhance family communication and understanding of parental mental illness, improve family interpersonal relationships, and promote child resilience and utilisation of social supports [23]. In recent years, the programme has also been evaluated in Germany using a quasi-experimental design [27], and is currently being piloted in Chile [28] and Greece [29] using RCTs. Positive effects on child understanding of mental illness, child resilience and internalising symptoms have been reported at post intervention and at 1.5 and 4.5 year follow ups across the ve FT evaluations [23][24][25][26][27].…”

A study protocol for the randomized controlled trial SAFIR FAMILY TALK: a selective primary preventive intervention vs. service as usual for children of parents with mental illness

“…In recent years, Mental Health Services around the world have had an increased focus on development and evaluation of selective prevention initiatives. In Chile [ 18 ] and Greece [ 19 ], for example, randomized clinical trials are piloted for families with parental depression, following the original intent of the Family Talk Preventive Intervention. In Germany [ 20 ] and the Republic of Ireland [ 21 ], researchers are expanding the method to include parents with a range of psychiatric diagnoses.…”