Behavioural Techniques (behavioural + techniques)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Behavioural treatment of urinary incontinence and encopresis in children with learning disabilities: transfer of stimulus control

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2000
Linda Smith MAMSc Clinical Psychologist
Urinary and faecal incontinence present a considerable problem in people with learning disabilities, despite the general effectiveness of behavioural techniques in continence training. Children with learning disabilities and obsessional behaviour may be particularly resistant to toilet training, even where relatively cognitively able, and often despite a substantial degree of control over their eliminatory functions. Their resistance may be more appropriately regarded as a challenging behaviour and their incontinence better explained by factors other than a simple failure to learn. A 'stimulus-control'hypothesis proposes that the child's nappy (diaper) /potty/underwear has developed strong stimulus control over the elimination response. This report describes three case studies in which treatment-resistant children, aged between 8 and 12 years, with mild or moderate learning disabilities, were successfully treated for nappy-dependent nocturnal encopresis or diurnal urinary incontinence. The children were routine case referrals for whom previous attempts to train bowel or bladder control had failed. Behavioural techniques, such as 'shaping'(gradually increasing the proximity to the toilet),,fading'(reducing the presence of the nappy), and rewards for eliminating, effected successful transfer of stimulus control over elimination from nappy to toilet. Treatment times varied, depending on the degree of the child's obsession and resistance to change. [source]


Out-patient behaviour therapy in alcoholism: treatment outcome after 2 years

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2002
W. Burtscheidt
Burtscheidt W, Wölwer W, Schwarz R, Strauss W, Gaebel W. Out-patient behaviour therapy in alcoholism: treatment outcome after 2 years. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002: 106: 227,232. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2002. Objective:,The main aim of the study was the evaluation of out-patient behavioural approaches in alcohol dependence. Additionally, the persistence of treatment effects and the impact of psychiatric comorbidity in long-term follow-up was examined. Method:,A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to non-specific supportive therapy or to two different behavioural therapy programmes (coping skills training and cognitive therapy) each comprising 26 weekly sessions; the follow-up period lasted 2 years. Results:,Patients undergoing behavioural therapy showed a consistent trend towards higher abstinence rates; significant differences between the two behavioural strategies could not be established. Moreover, the results indicate a reduced ability of cognitive impaired patients to cope with short-time abstinence violations and at a reduced benefit from behavioural techniques for patients with severe personality disorders. Conclusion:,Behavioural treatment yielded long-lasting effects and met high acceptance; yet, still in need of improvement is the development of specific programmes for high-risk patients. [source]


Integrated psychodynamic therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: theory, practice and preliminary findings

EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2005
Susan Murphy
Abstract While there is a substantial evidence base for the use of more recently developed therapeutic approaches, there is very little evidence that psychodynamically based treatments are effective in treating bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. Clinicians have suggested that such an approach should be supplemented with behavioural foci and that it should be time-limited. This paper outlines an integrative approach to the outpatient treatment of these eating disorders, where psychodynamic principles and practice are used in tandem with behavioural strategies, and presents preliminary data on behavioural changes among patients who undertake this programme. A case series design was used, employing this approach with a selected group of 21 female patients. Data are presented on failure to complete the programme, as well as changes in body mass index and frequency of bingeing and vomiting. All of the 21 patients completed the programme, though 5 were lost to the study by the last follow-up point. Those who completed the programme had a stable body mass index, but showed clinically and statistically significant reductions in bulimic symptoms. These preliminary findings indicate that the bulimic disorders can be treated effectively using a psychodynamic approach that is integrated with behavioural techniques and that has time limits. While further research is needed to support this conclusion, it appears to be important to use a more integrative psychodynamic approach than is commonly used. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source]


Training in cognitive behavioural interventions on acute psychiatric inpatient wards

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2005
E. McCANN phd msc rmn dip psi pgdip (academic practice)
There has been a drive towards addressing the types of care and therapeutic interventions available to people with serious mental illness, which is reflected in the latest government mental health policy initiatives. Recent evidence strongly supports the implementation of psychological and social interventions for people with psychosis, and in particular the use of cognitive behavioural techniques. Until now, the main focus has been on people living in the community. This study examines the delivery of psychosocial interventions training to qualified psychiatric nurses and unqualified staff on seven acute psychiatric admission wards in London, UK. The approach had the strength of on-site delivery, follow-up role modelling of the interventions and clinical supervision. Despite this, in some cases the training was less successful, mainly because of staffing and leadership weaknesses. The impact of training in these methods and the implications for mental health education and practice development are discussed. [source]


Self-help in the long-term treatment of obesity

OBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2001
J. D. Latner
Summary Despite the short-term success of professional behavioural techniques for obesity, weight losses are typically regained following treatment. The long-term maintenance of treatment effects will probably require ongoing, continuing care. Continuing care may be economically feasible when administered through self-help treatment modalities. Self-help confers a number of psychological benefits, such as self-reliance and an increased sense of empowerment. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of various modalities of self-help are reviewed, including purely self-prompted help, self-administered manuals, computer-assisted therapy, professionally assisted correspondence courses, and non-profit and commercial self-help groups. Stepped-care models suggest using a combination of these approaches when appropriate. However, logistical difficulties present themselves in stepped-care approaches with obesity, such as the complicating effects of severity and comorbidity on stepped-care status. Self-help groups are a promising venue for the provision of continuing care and as an adjunct to more intensive, specialty therapies. [source]