Research PCIT: (Donohue) Callous-Unemotional Traits as an Intervention Target and Moderator of PCIT-ED Treatment for Preschool Depression & Conduct Problems

Few treatments have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., low empathy, prosociality, and guilt) in early childhood. The present study examined whether Parent-Child Interaction Therapy—Emotion Development (PCIT-ED), a PCIT adaptation with demonstrated efficacy in treating preschool-onset Major Depressive Disorder (PO-MDD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), was also effective in treating these disorders in children displaying higher levels of CU traits. Results indicated that PCIT-ED effectively reduced MDD and ODD in preschoolers, regardless of initial levels of CU traits. Moreover, CU traits decreased from pre- to post-treatment, and this treatment effect was sustained 18 weeks post-treatment.