Implementation of parent-child interaction therapy in a case of oppositional defiant disorder

Abstract

The parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a type of therapy for treating childhood problems. It integrates traditional play therapy and classical operant methods. It has proved to be useful in problems such as disobedience, hyperactivity, aggression, lying, classroom behavior problems, stealing, self-injurious behaviors, tantrums, amongst others. Oppositional Defi ant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by an oppositional attitude toward authority, including temper tantrums, screaming, tantrums, arguments as to rules and requests, and so forth. This paper describes the application of PCIT to a girl of 3 years with ODD. Treatment lasted 11 months, providing positive results with problem behaviours, maintained through the one year follow up.