Bio-Behavioral Diagnosis and Treatment of Self-Injury

Author(s)

Floyd C. Mace, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Joyce Mauk, Child Study Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews

ISSN

1080-4013

Publication Date

1995

Abstract

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with mental retardation is a severe behavioral disorder that has significant social and medical consequences. Although considerable research evidence indicates that SIB can be maintained by either environmental contingencies or biologic conditions, integrative diagnostic and treatment models have yet to be developed. We have piloted a bio-behavioral diagnostic and treatment model to classify and subtype cases of SIB, leading to the selection of specific behavioral or pharmacologic treatments. A functional analysis defines SIB as operant, possibly biologic, or mixed operant and possibly biologic. Subtyping within these classes is based on the delineation of specific operant functions and the clinical characteristics of the individual patient. Our preliminary research suggests that this empirical decision-making model can lead to specific treatments that are effective and that reduce the incidence of non-responders to behavioral intervention and medication.

DOI

10.1002/mrdd.1410010206

Volume

1

Issue

2

First Page

104

Last Page

110

Comments

Journal title now "Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews", ISSN: 1940-5529

NSUWorks Citation

Mace, F. C., Mauk, J. (1995). Bio-Behavioral Diagnosis and Treatment of Self-Injury. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 1(2), 104-110.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/413