| Mothers with a history of substance abuse have been found to have fewer positive interactions and be less responsive with their children compared to mothers with no history of substance abuse. Children with a history of drug exposure have been found to have poorer impulse control, decreased attention, and increased stress response as well as increased rates of aggression. Using a sample of 98, we examined whether Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) would be effective in reducing the disruptive behaviors of children exposed to stimulants; that is, fewer treatment gains with be observed for these mother-child dyads with a history of substance abuse in comparison with dyads with no history. Although dyads with a history of substance abuse had an increased number of risk factors, these dyads responded similarly to treatment as dyads with no history of drug abuse. There were significant main effects for reducing child behavior problems and increasing the quality of mother-child interactions regardless of substance abuse history. |
