Internet parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) in medically ill child: A case report

Introduction: This case illustrates the feasibility, benefit, and putative enhanced ecological validity of performing internet-parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) in the parent-child dyad's home for the treatment of behavior problems in medically ill children in the context of a global pandemic. Patient concerns: Parents of a 5-year-old girl initially presented with concerns regarding inattentiveness, physical and verbal fighting with her siblings, and getting kicked out of daycare for hitting another child. Patient also had difficulties sleeping at night. Diagnoses: Patient was diagnosed with electrical status epilepticus in sleep, frontal lobe executive function deficit, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Interventions: Patient received a course of I-PCIT. Equipment included a cell phone with video capabilities connected to a videotelephony software program and set-up in the child's home by the parents. The treatment course included 8, 1-hour, weekly teaching/coaching sessions (7 of which were performed using I-PCIT) plus 1 follow-up booster session 6 months later. Outcomes: Home-based I-PCIT implementation greatly improved disruptive behaviors in a young child with electrical status epilepticus in sleep and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: A combination of I-PCIT and methylphenidate allowed her to be successful at home and in a school setting. More research is needed on PCIT adaptations, such as home-based and internet-based PCIT, for medically ill children as well as treatment protocols for combined therapies.