Stephen B. Mayville

Psychopharmacology research for individuals with mental retardation: methodological issues and suggestions

Psychotropic medications are frequently prescribed for behavior problems and/or psychopathology among individuals with mental retardation (MR). Unfortunately, the methodological integrity of scientific studies that support the use of medications among this population is often lacking. A recent review of the literature revealed that many of the studies that have assessed the efficacy of psychotropic medications for individuals with MR are methodologically flawed. Thus, we have detailed suggestions to improve the quality of future medication studies and avoid the methodological problems that prevent the scientific advancement of psychopharmacological research among individuals with MR.

A System of Assessment for Adaptive Behavior, Social Skills, Behavioral Function, Medication Side-Effects, and Psychiatric Disorders.

A reliable and valid assessment is necessary for the effective delivery of services to those with mental retardation (MR). With constraints placed on financial and human resources, assessment must be comprehensive, yet cost-effective. We describe a method of assessment that operates within these constraints using informant-based measures that assess adaptive and maladaptive behavior, psychiatric disorders, behavior function, and medication side-effects.

A functional assessment of handmouthing among persons with severe and profound intellectual disability

Abstract Background The behavioural function of handmouthing has been assessed across various studies utilising analogue functional analyses. The aim of the current study was to expand upon research on this relatively understudied behaviour by examining the relationship between handmouthing and Gastro‐Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), and the potential variables maintaining this challenging behaviour in 30 individuals with intellectual disability. Method First, the relationship of GERD to handmouthing was examined. Second, the behavioural function of handmouthing was assessed with an indirect functional assessment, the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). Results We found that a diagnosis of GERD was present with greater frequency among individuals with handmouthing than among matched peers who did not engage in handmouthing. Non‐social reinforcement was most frequently endorsed as a behavioural function of this challenging behaviour. Discussion Although individuals with handmouthing exhibited more GERD than those who did not handmouth, the findings suggest that handmouthing was most often maintained by non‐social reinforcement. The importance of utilising functional assessment methodology for the assessment and treatment of handmouthing is discussed.