In order to develop communication skills among school-aged children who are nonverbal, this project employs a SMART design to test a novel intervention. The intervention includes components that focus on spoken language and the use of a speech-generating device (e.g., iPad). The SMART design provides the data needed to define response and nonresponse to the intervention and identify the best treatment sequence.

This pilot project uses a SMART design to develop an adaptive intervention for children with depression. Dr. Eckshtain aims to develop decision rules regarding the use of cognitive behavioral treatment, caregiver–child treatment, or both. The goal is to develop an adaptive treatment protocol for depressed children.

Patients suffering from bipolar disorder are assigned to one of two mood stabilizers. A SMART design is used to determine the appropriate treatment for patients who develop depression.

This project aims to develop an adaptive intervention for persistent insomnia. Researchers are using a SMART design to determine the best sequencing of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication for persistent insomnia.

Adolescents suffering from depression begin treatment with interpersonal psychotherapy. This pilot project employs a SMART design to help establish treatment rules regarding when and in what way to intensify treatment.

For youth with OCD, the most common treatments are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacological treatment, or both. Up to 30% of patients may not benefit from their initial treatments. Researchers will employ a SMART to determine the optimal treatment sequence for participants dependent on whether or not they respond to their initial treatment.

This project targets African American adolescents with obesity and their parents. SMARTs are used to develop an adaptive intervention that increases skills in changing dietary, exercise, and sedentary behaviors.

Naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid receptor antagonist used to prevent alcoholism relapse. This trial examines how to define “non-response” to treatment with NTX and what treatments are most effective for those who do or do not respond to the initial treatment.

A SMART design is being implemented to develop an adaptive intervention to increase treatment engagement and decrease cocaine use for patients who are cocaine dependent. The study also examines whether patient choice of care affects patient outcomes.

The aim of this SMART is to understand whether to begin with medication or behavioral therapy for children with ADHD, and whether to intensify or augment initial treatment for children who do not respond to treatment.