effect of family training on salivary cortisol in children with disruptive behavior disorder

Antisocial, aggressive and delinquent behaviors in adults often begin early in life. Basal cortisol is a valuable biological marker in children with disruptive behavior disorder [DBD]. To investigate the association between biological factor [cortisol] and disruptive behaviors, we studied the effect of family training on salivary cortisol level in children with DBD. Basal salivary cortisol levels were studied in 19 children with DBD, [aged 8 -13 years old] prior and 2 months after the treatment. The disruptive behavior of the child was also assessed by Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], before and 2 months after treatment. Children with lower basal cortisol level had more sever behavioral problems. Surprisingly, this group had a better response to family therapy. Parental training is an effective method for behavioral modification of children with DBD. Salivary cortisol can be considered as a biological marker for the severity of disruptive behavior and response to therapy

Effects of parent training on salivary cortisol in children and adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder

Since adulthood antisocial, aggressive and delinquent behaviors often have their onset early in life, investigating the association between biological factors and disruptive behaviors in children and adolescents are important and are emphasized on in the recent years. Baseline cortisol level seems to be a valuable biological marker of individuals with Disruptive Behavior Disorder [DBD]. This study examined the effect of parent training on salivary cortisol levels of children with DBD. Saliva samples were assayed to determine cortisol levels in nineteen clinic-referred children with DBD [aged 8 through 13 years] before and after an eight-session parent training program. Children's disruptive behaviors were assessed by Child Behavior Check List before and after the intervention. Children's salivary cortisol increased significantly after parent training sessions. Children with DBD who had lower basal cortisol levels had more severe disruptive behaviors and a better response to intervention by parent training as assessed by changes in cortisol levels and disruptive behaviour scores. However, post-interventional reduction of disruptive behaviors and increase in cortisol level was significant for all levels of baseline cortisol. Parent training is an effective method for behavioral modification in DBD. Salivary cortisol may be considered a predictive factor for severity of the child or adolescent's disruptive behaviors and also for response of those behaviors to parent training