Understanding the START NOW Program
The START NOW program, as detailed in the study "START NOW - a comprehensive skills training programme for female adolescents with oppositional defiant and conduct disorders," is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the unique needs of female adolescents with conduct disorders (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). This program is particularly vital as it focuses on enhancing emotional regulation capacities, which is crucial for managing daily-life demands and reducing oppositional and aggressive behavior.
Why Focus on Female Adolescents?
Historically, conduct disorders have been perceived as predominantly affecting males. However, recent data indicates a rising prevalence among females, with estimates ranging from 1-3% among girls and female adolescents. This highlights the need for gender-specific interventions, as the psychosocial adjustment problems associated with CD can be more severe in females than in males.
Key Components of START NOW
The START NOW program is a 12-week skills training intervention designed to be an add-on to the usual treatment. It incorporates several therapeutic approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps participants understand and modify their behavior patterns through functional analysis.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Enhances motivation for change by addressing ambivalence and facilitating patient engagement.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Integrates mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques to manage emotional dysregulation.
- Trauma-Sensitive Care: Addresses the impact of trauma on behavior, promoting adaptive coping strategies.
Data-Driven Outcomes
The study protocol for START NOW involves a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 128 institutionalized female adolescents. The primary endpoints are the pre-post change in CD/ODD symptoms, assessed through standardized psychiatric interviews. Secondary objectives include improvements in emotional regulation at both behavioral and neurobiological levels.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in speech language pathology and related fields, the START NOW program offers a data-driven, evidence-based approach to supporting female adolescents with CD and ODD. By incorporating this program into treatment plans, practitioners can enhance emotional regulation skills and reduce oppositional behaviors, leading to better psychosocial outcomes for their clients.
Encouraging Further Research
While the START NOW program shows promising results, continued research is essential to refine and adapt interventions for diverse populations. Practitioners are encouraged to explore further studies and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: START NOW - a comprehensive skills training programme for female adolescents with oppositional defiant and conduct disorders: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial.
