Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Use of Reinforcer Assessments in Evaluating Psychotropic Medication Effects

  • REVIEW ARTICLE
  • Published:
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Psychotropic medications are increasingly being prescribed for the treatment of problem behavior, particularly in combination with behavioral interventions. Previous research has demonstrated the motivating operation (MO) effects of psychotropic medications, which may lead to changes in stimulus preference or changes in the magnitude of reinforcers maintaining the problem behavior under treatment. Although preference and reinforcer assessments have been conducted to examine changes in item preference and reinforcer effectiveness, there is limited research regarding how medications impact outcomes on these assessments. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the need for research on the effects psychotropic medications have on preference and reinforcer assessment outcomes. The implications of these findings are also discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adelinis, J. D., Piazza, C. C., & Goh, H. (2001). Treatment of multiply controlled destructive behavior with food reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34(1), 97–100.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borrero, C. W. S., Vollmer, T. R., Borrero, J. C., Bourret, J. C., Sloman, K. N., Samaha, A. L., & Dallery, J. (2010). Concurrent reinforcement schedules for problem behavior and appropriate behavior: experimental applications of the matching law. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 93(3), 455–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catania, A. C. (1961). Behavioral contrast in a multiple and concurrent schedule of reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 4, 335–342.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Catania, A. C. (1962). Independence of concurrent responding maintained by interval schedules of reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 5, 175–184.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Catania, A. C. (1963a). Concurrent performances: reinforcement interaction and response independence. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 6, 253–263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Catania, A. C. (1963b). Concurrent performances: a baseline for the study of reinforcement magnitude. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 6, 299–300.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chappell, N., Graff, R. B., Libby, M. E., & Ahearn, W. H. (2009). Further evaluation of the effects of motivating outcomes on preference assessment outcomes. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 660–669.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chelonis, J. J., Gravelin, C. R., & Paule, M. G. (2011). Assessing motivation in children using a progressive ratio task. Behavior Processes, 87, 203–209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chowdhury, M., & Benson, B. A. (2011). Use of differential reinforcement to reduce behavior problems in adults with intellectual disabilities: a methodological review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(2), 383–394.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Couppis, M. H., & Kennedy, C. H. (2008). The rewarding effect of aggression is reduced by nucleus accumbens dopamine receptor antagonism in mice. Psychopharmacology, 197, 449–456.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crosland, K. A., Zarcone, J. R., Lindauer, S. E., Valdovinos, M. G., Zarcone, T. J., Hellings, J. A., & Schroeder, S. R. (2003). Use of functional analysis methodology in the evaluation of medication effects. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33, 271–279.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Day, H., Horner, R. H., & O'Neill, R. E. (1994). Multiple functions or problem behaviors: assessment and intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(2), 279–289.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeLeon, I. G., Iwata, B. A., Goh, H. L., & Worsdell, A. S. (1997). Emergence of reinforcer preference as a function of schedule requirements and stimulus similarity. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 439–449.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeLeon, I. G., Fisher, W. W., Catter, V. R., Maglieri, K., Herman, K., & Marhefka, J. (2001). Examination of relative reinforcement effects of stimuli identified through pretreatment and daily brief preference assessments. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 463–473.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeLeon, I. G., Frank, M. A., Gregory, M. K., & Allman, M. J. (2009). On the correspondence between preference assessment outcomes and progressive-ratio schedule assessments of stimulus value. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 729–733.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dicesare, A., McAdam, D. B., Toner, A., & Varrell, J. (2005). The effects of methylphenidate on a functional analysis of disruptive behavior: a replication and extension. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 125–128.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. R., & Falcomata, T. S. (2004). Preference for progressive delays and concurrent physical therapy exercise in an adult with acquired brain injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 101–105.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. R., & Holcoumb, S. (2000). Teaching self-control to small groups of dually diagnosed adults. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 611–614.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. R., & Tibbetts, P. A. (2009). The effects of choice on self-control. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 243–252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, M. R., Horner, M. J., & Guercio, J. (2003). Self-control and the preference for delayed reinforcement: an example in brain injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 371–374.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Francisco, M. T., Borrero, J. C., & Sy, J. R. (2008). Evaluation of absolute and relative reinforcer value using progressive-ratio schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 189–202.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, D., & Smith, R. G. (1999). Using analog baselines to assess the effects of naltrexone on self-injurious behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 20, 1–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gottschalk, J., Libby, M., & Graff, R. (2000). The effects of establishing operations on preference assessment outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 85–88.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1961). Relative and absolute strength of response as a function of frequency of reinforcement. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 4, 267–272.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1970). On the law of effect. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 13, 243–266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hodos, W. (1961). Progressive ratio as a measure of reward strength. Science, 134, 943–944.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hodos, W., & Kalman, G. (1963). Effects of increment size and reinforcer volume on progressive ratio performance. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 6, 387–392.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jerome, J., & Sturmey, P. (2008). Reinforcing efficacy of interactions with preferred and nonpreferred staff under progressive-ratio schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 221–225.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, M. E., Fisher, W. W., Lomas, J. E., & Sanders, R. Q. (2006). Some effects of stimulant medication on response allocation: a double-blind analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 243–247.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kodak, T., Fisher, W. W., Kelley, M. E., & Kisamore, A. (2009). Comparing preference assessments: selection- versus duration-based preference assessment procedures. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(5), 1068–1077. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2009.02.010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lalli, J. S., & Kates, K. (1998). The effect of reinforcer preference on functional analysis outcomes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31(1), 79–90. doi:10.1901/jaba.1998.31-79.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Langdon, N. A., Carr, E. G., & Owen-DeSchryver, J. S. (2008). Functional analysis of precursors for serious problem behavior and related intervention. Behavior Modification, 32(6), 804–827.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lanner, T., Nichols, B., Field, S., Hanson, J., & Zane, T. (2009). The clinical utility of two reinforcement preference assessment techniques: a comparison of duration of assessment and identification of functional reinforcers. Behavior Analyst Today, 10(3/4), 456–466.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laraway, S., Snycerski, S., Michael, J., & Poling, A. (2003). Motivating operations and terms to describe them: some further refinements. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 407–414.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • LaRue, R. H., Northup, J., Baumeister, A. A., Hawkins, M. F., Seale, L., Williams, T., & Ridgway, A. (2008). An evaluation of stimulant medication on the reinforcing effects of play. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 143–147.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, H., Tu, C., Martin, T., & Martin, G. (2010). On the relationship between reinforcer efficacy and preference. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 95–100.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lindauer, S. E., Zarcone, J. R., Richman, D. M., & Schroeder, S. R. (2002). A comparison of multiple reinforcer assessments to identify the function of maladaptive behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 299–303.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lott, I. T., McGregor, M., Engelman, L., Touchette, P., Tournay, A., Sandman, C., Fernandez, G., Plon, L., & Walsh, D. (2004). Longitudinal prescribing patterns for psychoactive medications in community-based individuals with developmental disabilities: utilization of pharmacy records. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 48(6), 563–571.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Luiselli, J. K., Blew, P., & Thibadeau, S. (2001). Therapeutic effects and long-term efficacy of antidepressant medication for persons with developmental disabilities: behavioral assessment in two cases of treatment-resistant aggression and self-injury. Behavior Modification, 25(1), 62–78.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mace, F. C., Prager, K. L., Thomas, K., Kochy, J., Dyer, T. J., Perry, L., & Pritchard, D. (2009). Effects of stimulant medication under varied motivational operations. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 177–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, B. L., Napolitano, D. A., McAdam, D. B., Dunleavy, J., Tessing, J. L., & Varrell, J. (2003). Venlafaxine and increased aggression in a female with autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(4), 383–384.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mason, S. A., McGee, G. G., Farmer-Dougan, V., & Risley, T. R. (1989). A practical strategy for ongoing reinforcer assessment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 22, 171–179.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGinnis, M. A., Houchins-Juárez, N., McDaniel, J. L., & Kennedy, C. H. (2010). Abolishing and establishing operation analyses of social attention as positive reinforcement for problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 119–123.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., Bicard, D. F., Endo, S., Coury, D. L., & Aman, M. G. (2005a). Evaluation of pharmacological treatment of impulsivity in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 135–146.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neef, N. A., Marckel, J., Ferreri, S. J., Bicard, D. F., Endo, S., Aman, M. G., et al. (2005b). Behavioral assessment of impulsivity: A comparison of children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38(1), 23–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Northup, J. (2000). Further evaluation of the accuracy of reinforcer surveys: a systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 335–338.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Northup, J., Fusilier, I., Swanson, V., Roane, H., & Borrero, J. (1997). An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 615–625.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Northup, J., Fusilier, I., Swanson, V., Huete, J., Bruce, T., Freeland, J., Gulley, V., & Edwards, S. (1999). Further analysis of the separate and interactive effects of methylphenidate and common classroom contingencies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 35–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Penrod, B., Wallace, M., & Dyer, E. (2008). Assessing potency of high- and low-preference reinforcers with respect to response rate and response patterns. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 177–188.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Piazza, C. C., Fisher, W. W., Hagopian, L. P., Bowman, L. G., & Toole, L. (1996). Using a choice assessment to predict reinforcer effectiveness. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 1–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ringdahl, J. E., Vollmer, T. R., Marcus, B. A., & Roane, H. S. (1997). An analogue evaluation of environmental enrichment: The role of stimulus preference. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 203–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roane, H. (2008). On the applied use of progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 155–161.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roane, H. S., Vollmer, T. R., Ringdahl, J. E., & Marcus, B. A. (1998). Evaluation of a brief stimulus preference assessment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 605–620.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roane, H. S., Lerman, D. C., & Vorndran, C. M. (2001). Assessing reinforcers under progressive schedule requirements. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 145–167.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sevin, J. A., Bowers-Stephens, C., Hamilton, M. L., & Ford, A. (2001). Integrating behavioral and pharmacological interventions in treating clients with psychiatric disorders and mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 22, 463–485.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stafford, D., LeSage, M. G., & Glowa, J. R. (1998). Progressive-ratio schedules of drug delivery in the analysis of drug self-administration: A review. Psychopharmacology, 139, 169–184.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sutton, N. P., Grace, R. C., McLean, A. P., & Baum, W. M. (2008). Comparing the generalized matching law and contingency discriminability model as accounts of concurrent schedule performance using residual meta-analysis. Behavioural Processes, 78(2), 224–230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B. A., Hoch, H., & Weissman, M. (2005). The analysis and treatment of vocal stereotypy in a child with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 20(4), 239–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trosclair-Lasserre, N. M., Lerman, D. C., Call, N. A., Addison, L. R., & Kodak, T. (2008). Reinforcement magnitude: an evaluation of preference and reinforcer efficacy. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 203–220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valdovinos, M. G., Ellringer, N. P., & Alexander, M. L. (2007). Changes in the rate of problem behavior associated with the removal of the antipsychotic medication quetiapine. Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities, 10, 64–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valdovinos, M. G., Nelson, S. M., Kuhle, J., & Dierks, A. M. (2009). Using analogue functional analysis to measure variations in problem behavior rate and function after psychotropic medication changes: A clinical demonstration. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2, 279–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varvel, S. A., Vann, R. E., Wise, L. E., Philibin, S. D., & Porter, J. H. (2002). Effects of antipsychotic drugs on operant responding after acute and repeated administration. Psychopharmacology, 160, 182–191.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weeden, M., Ehrhardt, K., & Poling, A. (2009). Conspicuous by their absence: studies comparing and combining risperidone and applied behavior analysis to reduce challenging behavior in children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 905–912.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zarcone, J. R., Lindauer, S. L., Morse, P. S., Crosland, K. A., Valdovinos, M. G., McKerchar, T. L., Reese, R. M., Hellings, J. A., & Schroeder, S. R. (2004). Effects of risperidone on destructive behavior of persons with developmental disabilities: III. Functional analysis. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 109, 310–321.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zubieta, J. K., & Alessi, N. E. (1993). Is there a role of serotonin in the disruptive behavior disorder? A literature review. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 3, 11–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Drake University, Des Moines, IA, USA

    Gwendolyn Carlson, Kirstin Uran & Maria Valdovinos

  2. Woodward Resource Center, Woodward, IA, USA

    John Pokrzywinski

Authors
  1. Gwendolyn Carlson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. John Pokrzywinski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kirstin Uran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Maria Valdovinos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Valdovinos.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Carlson, G., Pokrzywinski, J., Uran, K. et al. The Use of Reinforcer Assessments in Evaluating Psychotropic Medication Effects. J Dev Phys Disabil 24, 515–528 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9282-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9282-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation