Citation

Luiselli JK. J. Behav. Ther. Exp. Psychiatry 1991; 22(3): 233-238.

Affiliation

Psychological And Educational Resource Associates, Concord, MA 01742.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1804858

Abstract

The severe and high-rate self-injurious (face slapping) behavior of a woman who was deaf and legally blind was reduced to near-zero levels following implementation of a multicomponent treatment program in combination with psychotropic medication. Behavioral treatment incorporated the noncontingent wearing of a protective helmet, rearrangement of social contingencies, and gradual fading of the helmet in a transfer of stimulus control paradigm. The client was prescribed lithium shortly after the introduction of the behavioral program and the dosage was increased over the course of treatment. A six-month follow-up revealed a near-absence of self-injury. Several explanations for the therapeutic control from the behavioral-pharmacological intervention are presented.

Language: en