Self-management treatment of drooling: a case series

Behavioral treatment of drooling is advocated widely, but evidence of its effectiveness is lacking. In a center-based case-series study, 10 participants with severe drooling were taught self-management skills to reduce drooling. Following treatment, all participants remained dry for intervals of 30-60 min, while being engaged in daily activities. Generalization to the classroom occurred in each participant. For three participants, maintenance of treatment effect was established at 6 and 24 weeks. Seven participants failed to maintain self-management skills at follow-up. Although the self-management procedure showed promising results, further adaptations are required to improve efficacy, generalization, and maintenance.