F. Charles Mace, Kevin L. Prager, Karen Thomas,
Jane Kochy, Tim J. Dyer, Lora Perry, & Duncan Pritchard. (2009).
Effects of stimulant medication under varied motivational operations.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
42, 177-183.
We evaluated the evocative effects of four conditions (high- and low-preference
activities, low and divided attention) and stimulant medication on the behavior of
a 16-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate
mental retardation. All behavior (activity engagement, activity changes,
inappropriate touching, rude behaviors, and physical aggression) improved
with stimulant medication in most conditions, but undesirable behaviors were
not reduced to acceptable levels in all conditions. This finding suggests that
stimulant medication may be a valuable adjunct to function-based interventions.
DESCRIPTORS: motivating operations, stimulant medication, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder