The modular approach to therapy for youths with anxiety, depression, trauma, and conduct problems (MATCH): results from the Norwegian randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the Modular Approach to Therapy for Youths with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Conduct Problems (MATCH) for Norwegian youths referred to seven Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics. MATCH addresses comorbid problems that are common in children and youth, and its transdiagnostic design may therefore be more effective compared to standard treatments that often address single problems. MATCH has, however, never been evaluated in a Nordic context, and the present study aimed to fill this gap. Methods A sample of 121 Norwegian youths (M age = 9.83, 58.7% boys) was randomly assigned to MATCH (n = 73) or treatment as usual (TAU, n = 48). Primary treatment outcomes were youths’ externalizing and internalizing problems as reported by parents, using the Child Behavior Checklist, the Behavior and Feelings Survey. In addition, the study included assessments of parent-reported Top Problems. Results Overall, youths showed significant improvements in both externalizing and internalizing problems from intake to post-test. Results did not provide evidence that MATCH reduces symptoms of these problems compared to TAU. Conclusions The findings were inconclusive regarding whether MATCH was more effective than TAU in reducing youth internalizing and externalizing problems. Trial Registration Identifier ISRCTN24029895. Registration date: 8/8/2016.

Keywords

• Effectiveness study
• Modular approach
• Youths
• Externalizing and internalizing problems
• Evidence-based treatment
• Adherence to therapy