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Sequential analysis of the effects of naltrexone on the environmental mediation of self-injurious behavior

Authors :
F J, Symons
J, Tapp
A, Wulfsberg
K A, Sutton
W L, Heeth
J W, Bodfish
Source :
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 9(3)
Publication Year :
2001

Abstract

Accumulated evidence shows that biology and the environment can mediate self-injurious behavior (SIB) in persons with mental retardation. Whether pharmacological treatment alters the environmental mediation of self-injury is unclear. Opioid antagonist effects on sequential dependencies for self-injury were studied in the context of experimental single-subject double-blind placebo-controlled designs. Direct observational data were collected for 4 adult subjects in real time on daily rate of SIB and staff interactions. Clinically significant reductions (i.e.,or = 33%) in SIB rate were observed for 3 of the 4 subjects. For all subjects, the magnitude of the sequential dependency between staff behavior and self-injury was significantly greater during treatment with naltrexone than during treatment with a placebo. Results are discussed in relation to behavioral mechanisms of action regulating medication effects for self-injury.

Details

ISSN :
10641297
Volume :
9
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology
Accession number :
edsair.pmid..........8d8ef7cb104e1d3ca0db4ee44ea7c829