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N H Azrin

Publications and source records attributed to N H Azrin.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

An evaluation of behavioral treatments for Tourette syndrome.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of self-monitoring, relaxation training and habit reversal in the treatment of 6 Tourette Syndrome (TS) subjects with multiple motor and vocal tics. A counterbalanced design was employed and tic frequencies were measured in the clinic setting using videotapes taken through a one-way mirror. Tics were reduced by an average of 55% with habit reversal, 44% with self-monitoring, and 32% with relaxation training and each behavioral procedure was the most effective treatment for at least one subject. All three treatment approaches may have some utility in the behavioral treatment of TS.

Adolescent

Comparison of regulated-breathing verses abbreviated desensitization on reported stuttering episodes.

This study was an investigation of the regulated-breathing method for controlling stuttering as compared to a placebo-control method consisting of abbreviated desensitization training. The regulated-breathing procedure, given to 21 stutterers, taught the speaker to breathe smoothly and deeply, to pause at natural juncturing points, to plan ahead for the content of the speech, and to relax chest and neck muscles. Several general behavioral procedures were also used including relaxation training, self-correction for errors, social support, daily home practice, and response awareness, which are components of the general habit reversal procedure for diverse habits. Training was given in one or two sessions plus regular follow-up telephone calls. Daily self-recordings were obtained of the number of stuttering episodes during everyday speech, to determine the generalized effect of the treatment. The regulated-breathing method reduced the reported stuttering episodes by 94% on the first day after training and by 97% during the fourth week and the three-month follow-up. The control procedure reduced reported stuttering only slightly (about 10%). The results indicate substantial effectiveness of the regulated-breathing method for reducing reported stuttering episodes in everyday speech as compared with an alternative treatment of equal duration.

Adolescent