Behavior Modification treatment - Research Paper Example

Behavior modification is currently considered to be an alternative intervention to cure adolescents and children from different kinds of mental disorders, such as behavioral deviation, e.g. hyperactivity disorder. Deficit hyperactivity disorder is currently treated with the help of medication (placebo, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 mg/kg), medication stimulation or behavior modification. In case these two types of treatment are combined, children perform better during classes and hyperactivity disorder is being gradually attenuated (Ansari, Gouthro, Ahmad & Steel, 1996).

In accordance with the studies by Blotcky et al (1984) and Pfeiffer and Strzelecki (1990) inpatient treatment is effective. These scientists have identified a number of positive indices signifying disease treatment progress. These are: intelligence improvement, non-organic and nonpsychotic diagnoses, reduction of antisocial features, patients’ involvement in after care and specialized treatment programs. It is possible to illustrate behavior modification treatment by the case study from the Nova Scotia Hospital, Princess Alexandra Unit.

In the context of a token economy (BMP) punitive and positive consequences are applied to adolescents aged 12-18 years old. Behavioral program lasted for eight weeks. Patients with behavioral conduct disorder, deficit of attention disorder, hyperactivity syndrome and adjustment disorder were chosen for this program. There was made an attempt to strengthen positive behavior. It was necessary to introduce positive compensation and rewards for positive behavioral changes. Another option was to introduce negative reinforcement, which was directed on strengthening of a positive behavior while having avoided negative behavioral consequences (Bijou & Ruíz, 1981).

A practical implementation of these strategies can be illustrated in the following way: the first and foremost step is to identify an inappropriate behavior of children.