Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)

Introduction

• MDFT is an empirically validated treatment for teen drug and behavior problems.
• Developed 25 years ago through an ANIDA-funded clinical research project.
• Comprehensive intervention addressing various aspects of an adolescent's life.
• Aims to understand and stop the continuation of substance abuse by mobilizing multiple systems.

Key Characteristics

• Integrative Approach: Combines psychotherapy, family therapy, and drug counseling.
• Consumer-Friendly: Easily understood and accepted by therapists, parents, teens, and professionals.
• Flexible Treatment System: Adaptable to various clinical settings and adolescent populations, including juvenile detention, drug courts, and outpatient alternatives.

Importance of Clinician Functioning

• Success linked to skilled, motivated therapists.
• Manual guided interventions require skilled therapists for effectiveness.
• MDFT resources include a manual and DVD overview.

Research and Evidence

• MDFT has been tested in federally funded studies since 1985.
• Superior clinical outcomes compared to other treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, residential treatment.
• Evaluated across diverse demographics and clinical conditions.

Main Findings

• Engagement and Retention: High retention rates in treatment compared to residential treatment.
• Substance Abuse Reduction: Significant reduction in substance abuse, with many adolescents maintaining abstinence at one-year follow-up.
• Delinquent Behavior: Reduction in delinquent behavior and fewer legal issues.
• School Functioning: Improvements in school behavior, attendance, and grades.
• Family Interaction: Decreases family conflict, improves parenting and family functioning.
• Health Outcomes: Reduces high-risk sexual behavior and STD incidence.
• Cost-Effectiveness: MDFT offers better outcomes at lower costs than standard treatments.

Guiding Principles of MDFT

1. Multidimensional Phenomenon: Considers biological, social, cognitive, familial, and ecological aspects of drug abuse.
2. Problem Situations: Provide both assessment information and intervention opportunities.
3. Change is Multi-Determined: Involves interaction among systems, people, and processes.
4. Motivation is Malleable: Motivation varies among adolescents and family, important to motivate treatment and change.
5. Working Relationships: Building multiple therapeutic alliances with teens, parents, and influential figures.
6. Individualized Interventions: Tailored interventions fostering developmental competence.
7. Planning and Flexibility: Essential for effective therapy.
8. Phasic Treatment: Emphasizes continuity in treatment.
9. Therapist Responsibility: Emphasized for successful outcomes.
10. Therapist Attitude: Fundamental to the success of the therapy.

Additional Details

• MDFT includes an intuitive and logical organization, emphasizing positive relationships and practical results.
• The approach is adaptable to various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, geographic locales, and clinical conditions, including co-occurring disorders.
• Focuses on improving parenting skills and reducing teen symptoms during therapy, incorporating cultural themes to enhance participation.