title: A non-aversive behavioral-pharmacological intervention for severe self-injury in an adult with dual sensory impairment.
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.
authors.affiliation: Psychological And Educational Resource Associates, Concord, MA 01742.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Luiselli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001766:Blindness / Q000523:psychology*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium