ADOPT

Affective dysregulation, high-risk populations

The joint project comprises six sub-projects (SP).

• SP 1: Coordination (University of Cologne, Prof. Dr Manfred Döpfner)
• SP 2: Assessment and epidemiology of affective dysregulation (University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Prof. Dr Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer)
• Subproject 3: Neurobiology and neuropsychology of affective dysregulation (Dresden University of Technology, Prof. Dr Veit Rößner)
• Subproject 4: Adaptation and evaluation of an existing Internet-based parent training programme for parents of children with affective dysregulation (University of Cologne, Prof. Dr Charlotte Hanisch)
• SP 5: Evaluation of the effectiveness of an individualised, modular treatment for children with affective dysregulation and comorbid disorders (University of Cologne, Dr. Anja Görtz-Dorten)
• Subproject 6: Effectiveness of a personalised module-based outpatient treatment programme for affective dysregulation and comorbid disorders in institutionalised and foster children (University Hospital Ulm, Prof. Dr. Jörg Fegert)

01.09.2017-31.08.2021

Affective dysregulation in the sense of excessive reactivity to negative stimuli with an affective component (feelings of anger) and a behavioural component (aggressive behaviour) plays a central role as a cross-diagnostic symptom in the context of various mental disorders in childhood and adolescence. Affective dysregulation in children is characterised by high prevalence rates, an early onset and (especially in the absence of treatment) a high degree of stability, accompanied by a significant impairment of the psychosocial functioning of those affected. Children in out-of-home placements exhibit this behaviour particularly frequently and it is both the reason for youth welfare measures and often also the reason for premature termination of these. According to current research, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, e.g. neglect, maltreatment, abuse), which are frequently found in the group of children in care and foster children, can contribute to this problematic behaviour. The experience of ACE is also a predictor of later increased rates of delinquency and substance abuse. Despite an increase in research in this area, there is still a need to optimise individualised treatment strategies in order to improve treatment success and reduce subjective and economic burdens.

As part of the joint project, Ulm is responsible for sub-project 6 Adopt-Institution, which focusses on high-risk populations (children in care and foster children). The aim of the sub-project is to develop and evaluate an individualised, modularised treatment approach as part of a randomised control group study for intensive

randomised control group study on intensive outpatient psychotherapy and trauma-educational counselling for the high-risk population of children in out-of-home care. The individualised, modular treatment includes ten cognitive-behavioural therapy modules based on empirically evaluated German treatment programmes, a pharmacotherapy module with psychostimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as a trauma education/therapeutic intervention.

Information events on the project are currently being held in the institutions and potential participants are being recruited.

Phone: 0731 500 61768

0731 500 62675

Mail:adopt.studie@uniklinik-ulm.de

Website:www.adopt-studie.de

Federal Ministry of Education and Research