[Bibliotherapy as a self-help program for parents of children with externalizing problem behavior].
OBJECTIVE
Externalizing problem behaviour is one of the most frequent and most stable behavioural disorders of childhood and adolescence. The development of applicable alternatives to expensive and restrictedly available treatments becomes increasingly necessary. This pilot study tested bibliotherapy in the form of a manual-assisted self-help programme under minimum contact conditions for parents of children with externalizing problem behaviour.


METHODS
A total of 21 children, aged 6 to 15 years and diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or an Oppositional Defiant Disorder, were recruited from an outpatient population. The bibliotherapy lasted 10 weeks and consisted of working through a self-help book for parents (Wackelpeter und Trotzkopf). Initial clinical interviews and pre- and post-treatment evaluations were included, as well as short weekly telephone contacts (approx. 20 min. per contact) with the parents.


RESULTS
The children's externalizing behaviour was significantly reduced during the intervention. The parenting skills were strengthened. The satisfaction of the parents with the program was high. Fewer than 20% of the parents indicated a need for an additional intensive behavioural outpatient treatment at the end of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Bibliotherapy may be an applicable and effective treatment alternative for children with disruptive behaviour disorders, at least in families with the resources necessary for this kind of intervention. The results have to be replicated within randomized control group trials.
Kierfeld
Frauke
F
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, Robert Koch Strasse 10, DE-50931 Koln.
Döpfner
Manfred
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000628:therapy*; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001638:Bibliotherapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011380:Programmed Instructions as Topic; D013689:Telephone
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants