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Assessing pharmacological and contingency management interventions with mentally retarded adolescents in a residential treatment program
Author(s) -
Luiselli James K.,
Evans Tracy P.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.2360020303
Subject(s) - contingency management , psychology , psychological intervention , methylphenidate , mentally retarded , stimulant , behavior management , clinical psychology , reinforcement , contingency , psychiatry , developmental psychology , intervention (counseling) , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , social psychology , linguistics , philosophy
Abstract Two studies were performed using applied behavior analytic methodology to evaluate pharmacological and contingency management interventions with mentally retarded adolescents in a residential treatment facility. In the first study, stimulant (methylphenidate) and beta‐blocking (propranolol) medications were compared with an overcorrection procedure to manage the disruptive vocalizing of a 14‐year‐old female. In the second study. the effects of thioridazine and a reinforcement‐response interruption program on stereotypic body‐rocking of an 18‐year‐old male were assessed. Both studies failed to demonstrate a positive response from any of the prescribed medications. Substantial reductions in behavior did occur with application of the contingency management programs. The programs were equally effective whether utilized alone or in combination with medication. Assessment and programmatic issues in the area of clinical behavioral pharmacology are discussed.