Descriptive Longitudinal Analysis of Stereotypy and Corresponding Changes in Psychotropic Medication.

INTRODUCTION: Psychotropic medication is often prescribed to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who engage in challenging and other behavior (e.g., aggression and stereotypy, respectively), but there is limited understanding of the effects of these medications on behavior. OBJECTIVE: Within the context of a larger study that evaluated the effects of psychotropic medication regimen changes on the presentation of challenging behavior, this study describes the presentation of stereotypic behavior of three individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS: Stereotypy was measured during weekly, one-hour, direct observations and during the control and ignore conditions of functional analyses of challenging behavior (which were conducted following changes in psychotropic medication regimens). RESULTS: Patterns of stereotypy varied over time, but not significantly, and at times seemed to coincide with medication changes. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest stereotypy persists throughout adulthood; however, additional research is needed.

Characterizing Mood States in Individuals Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Intellectual Disability.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to gain additional insight on patterns of behavior of three individuals dually diagnosed with Intellectual disability (ID) and Bipolar disorder as they cycled between elevated and depressed mood states. METHODS: Data were collected from weekly, one hour observations across a period of several months. The total duration of time spent engaged in target responses (pacing, rocking, and talking), in addition to indirect measures of activity (irritability and hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community; ABC-C), were assessed to characterize and monitor changes in overall state. RESULTS: While observable behavior seemed to be a good indicator of overall state, ABC-C irritability and hyperactivity subscales were not. Additional analyses included lag sequential analyses of environmental stimuli and conditions potentially correlated with observed behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that observable behavior may be one way to monitor the progression of Bipolar disorder in those with ID; however, further research needs to be conducted.