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Deborah A Napolitano

Publications and source records attributed to Deborah A Napolitano.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Behavioral interventions to reduce the pica of persons with developmental disabilities.

The consumption of nonfood items (i.e., pica) frequently occurs in persons with developmental disabilities. Pica may result in the puncture or blockage of the digestive tract, infestation by gastrointestinal parasites, and can interfere with an individual's daily learning, occupational performance, and quality of life. Twenty-six published studies have examined the efficacy of behavioral-intervention packages (e.g., differential reinforcement of other behavior, noncontingent attention, or overcorrection) on the pica of persons with developmental disabilities. This article reviews those studies and discusses the effectiveness, generality, and acceptability of the various intervention packages used to reduce pica. Additionally, this article highlights the recent clinical advancements that have been made in the treatment of the pica of persons with developmental disabilities.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed2003

Rate-decreasing effects of the atypical neuroleptic risperidone attenuated by conditions of reinforcement in a woman with mental retardation.

Effects of two doses of risperidone on the performance of a matching task under tangible reinforcement and nonreinforcement conditions were measured in a woman with mental retardation. In both conditions, time to complete the task increased and response rates decreased under two doses of risperidone. Accuracy was generally unchanged. These changes were much smaller in the tangible reinforcement condition; thus, reinforcement seemed to protect performance from the rate-decreasing effects of risperidone.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Multimodal evaluation of risperidone for destructive behavior: functional analysis, direct observations, rating scales, and psychiatric impressions.

Risperidone, an atypical neuroleptic, has become a popular option for treating destructive behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities. A few studies have been conducted that evaluate the effects of risperidone on destructive behavior; however, none of these studies have combined objective measures with rating scales to evaluate the effects of risperidone on destructive behavior across home and clinical settings. This study evaluated the wide range of effects of risperidone on destructive behavior of 2 persons with developmental disabilities using weekly functional analysis sessions, daily observations, hourly home data, weekly rating scales, and monthly psychiatric impressions. Results indicate that risperidone does decrease destructive behavior and that, for the most part, all of the various measures yielded similar results.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Effects of risperidone on aberrant behavior in persons with developmental disabilities: II. Social validity measures.

Consumer satisfaction and social validity were measured during a double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the atypical neuroleptic risperidone in treating severe aberrant behavior of persons with developmental disabilities. First, a satisfaction survey was completed after a medication trial by each participant's caregiver. Results showed that 100% of the caregivers felt that participation was a positive experience for themselves and participants. Second, 52 community members viewed videotapes of 5 participants during a clinical interview when they were taking either placebo or risperidone. Raters also indicated that when on the medication, participants displayed fewer aberrant behaviors, were less irritable, in a better mood, and were more responsive to their environment.

Adolescent↗