Randomized Trial of Parent Management Training in Children With Tic Disorders and Disruptive Behavior

Oppositional, defiant, and disruptive behaviors are common in clinical samples of children with tic disorders. In this study, we sought to evaluate the short-term efficacy of a structured parent training program in children with tic disorders accompanied by disruptive behavior. Children with tic disorders and at least a moderate level of disruptive behavior were randomly assigned to a 10-session structured parent management training program or to continue treatment as usual. Twenty-four children (18 boys and 6 girls) between the ages of 6 and 12 years (mean 8.9 ± 2.0 years) were enrolled; 23 subjects completed the study. At baseline, subjects showed moderate to severe levels of oppositional and defiant behavior. Twenty subjects (83%) were on stable medication. The parent-rated Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale score decreased by 51% in the parent management training group compared with a decrease of 19% in the treatment as usual group (P < .05). On the Improvement scale of the Clinical Global Impression, a...