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Reducing chronic drooling in a retarded female using a multi-treatment package
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|March 1, 1982
Summary
This study demonstrates functional control over chronic drooling in an individual with intellectual disability. Cognitive self-instructions combined with a treatment package nearly eliminated drooling, with results maintained long-term.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Clinical Interventions
Background:
- Chronic drooling presents a significant challenge in individuals with intellectual disabilities, impacting social interaction and hygiene.
- Effective behavioral interventions are crucial for managing persistent drooling in this population.
Observation:
- An ABAB research design was employed to assess the effectiveness of a treatment package for chronic drooling.
- Initial baseline observations indicated a temporary reactive effect due to the observation procedure itself.
Findings:
- The core treatment package significantly reduced instances of wetness and eliminated soaking.
- The integration of cognitive self-instructions (SI) led to a near-complete cessation of the target drooling behavior.
- These positive outcomes were sustained at both 2-month and 6-month follow-up assessments.
Implications:
- Cognitive self-instructions represent a powerful addition to behavioral treatment packages for chronic drooling.
- This intervention offers a promising strategy for improving quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities experiencing drooling.
- The findings support the long-term efficacy of combined behavioral and cognitive strategies in managing chronic drooling.