Short-term mentalization-based therapy for common childhood mental disorders – a pilot quasi-randomised controlled trial

Internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders among children are common and debilitating, affecting family interactions, learning and peer relations. The aim of the present quasi-randomised pilot-study was to investigate preliminary effects of a mentalization-based time-limited treatment (MBT-C) for children with mixed psychiatric disorders. The trial comprised 17 children, aged 4-11 with mixed disorders, and their parents, admitted to an outpatient psychotherapy clinic. Quasi-randomization allocated patients to 12 sessions MBT-C with parallel parent support, or wait-list control. Compared to wait-list controls, significant improvements were observed in child pathology (<i>d</i> = 1.23<i>, p</i> = .006), therapist-rated global functioning (<i>d</i> = 1.73, <i>p</i> = .002), parent-perceived overall distress and impairment (<i>d</i> = 1.42, <i>p =</i> .017), and child-perceived emotional distress (<i>d =</i> 1.32, <i>p =</i> .024). No significant effects were observed for parent-perceived symptoms (<i>d</i> = 0.41, <i>p</i> = .28). Within-group changes and long-term effects were calculated for all participants including the wait-list after being crossed-over to treatment. Results were either maintained or further improved at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. This trial provides preliminary support for MBT-C in children with mixed disorders.