An independent evaluation of mode deactivation therapy for juvenile offenders.

Abstract

Juveniles who commit crimes are likely to exhibit conduct problems in their youth. Persistent and long-term antisocial behavior can be seen in very young children. To treat these children, programs must be designed to meet the needs of them on an individualized basis. Residential treatment, typically, is the answer, but research has shown its ineffectiveness. Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have shown cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be effective. Mode deactivation therapy (MDT) is a form of CBT based on the theory of a network of cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioral components that create a personality-"modes." Modes are activated and create emotional dysregulation and behavioral disorders. In MDT, using a manualized treatment, the therapist reduces symptoms of behavior disorder, physical and sexual aggression, anxiety, and traumatic stress while keeping the juvenile offenders out of long-term, out-of-home placements. This present study examines 39 adjudicated Pennsylvania males (ages ranging from 14 to 17). Using baseline scores and comparing them to posttreatment scores, outcomes are measure and the effectiveness of MDT can be observed. It is important to note that all measures of the DSMD, the CBCL, the Beliefs about Victims, the Beliefs about Aggression, and the JSOP-A show a significant decreases in antisocial behaviors. Additionally, at the one year mark, recidivism rates were 7% and none were personal or sexual offenses.

A comparative treatment efficacy study of conventional therapy and mode deactivation therapy (MDT) for adolescents with conduct disorders, mixed personality disorders, and experiences of childhood trauma.

“…Since the meta-analysis, two independent studies were done, which confirmed the conclusions of previous studies that mdt consistently achieved better treatment outcomes than treatment as usual and delivered impressive results compared to the pre-treatment baseline of the adolescent sample (Thoder & Cautilli, 2011; Murphy & Siv, 2011). Subsequently, two other larger family-based mdt studies by the author also confirmed the same positive results (Apsche, Bass, & Backlund, 2012; Swart & Apsche, in press).…”

Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders. A Narrative Review

“…MATCH, a cognitive behavioral therapy, improves ED faster than other programs. Apsche et al ( 436 ) and Bass & Apsche ( 438 ) described an extended version of cognitive behavioral therapy (MDT) superior to conventional cognitive behavioral therapy, especially in reducing anger and aggressive behavior in adolescents and juvenile offenders ( 435 ) (see Tables 1 , 2 ). Since up to 90% of children with ED meet criteria for a categorized disorder ( 441 ), a number of treatments are available for treating the primary disorder.…”

“…Because ED is very common, especially in children and adolescents (although only in the focus in the last decade), various treatment options primarily concentrate on this dimension (426,(435)(436)(437)(438)(439)(440)(441)(442)(443)(444).…”

The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the treatment of adolescent sexual offenders with paraphilic disorders

“…It was also reported that adolescent offenders with high levels of impulsive/antisocial behaviours were more likely to recidivate regardless of what treatment programme they went through. Thoder and Cautilli ( 2011 ) studied 39 male adolescent sexual offenders who participated in a CBT programme called mode deactivation therapy ( Table I ). Baseline scores were compared to post-treatment scores (at 1 year) on a number of parameters and indicated a significant decrease in antisocial behaviours and a recidivism rate of sexual offences of 7% after one year without any sexual offences.…”