“Laura” was 21 years old when she was referred to Imagine! Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) to address her violent behaviors. These acts of intense physical aggression were reported to occur without provocation many times each day and seemed to be directed indiscriminately toward others and toward her parents, who were her primary caregivers. Laura required immediate physical restraint in order to keep her and others safe from severe injury. She rarely entered community settings and could not participate in educational, vocational, or social activities without her parents present for physical intervention. Laura’s behaviors had required pharmacological treatment, and she received large doses of psychotropic medications, which had little effect in managing her violent behaviors.
Upon referral to IBHS, Laura received a thorough Functional Behavior Assessment to determine the factors behind the acts of physical aggression. Her IBHS Behavior Team developed a comprehensive treatment plan that was coordinated with her psychiatrist. Her parents and caregivers were taught how to prevent escalation of violent acts, as well as more effective ways to intervene to minimize danger. One of the most effective methods to prevent Laura’s violent behaviors was teaching her alternative ways to communicate with others and practicing these skills in multiple settings. Within the first month of behavior treatment, Laura’s acts of physical aggression had decreased by nearly 50%. As Laura’s behavior improved, she was able to decrease some of her psychotropic medications and replace others with medications that had less detrimental side-effects.
Today, Laura enjoys participating in her day program activities and other recreational events. Acts of physical aggression are rare and isolated. She responds well to directions by others and has not needed physical restraint to manage her aggression in more than six months.
Thank You Thursday
4 years ago
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