New Directions in the Treatment of Aggressive Behavior for Persons with Mental and Developmental Disabilities

Book excerpt: New Directions in the Treatment of Aggressive Behavior in Persons with Mental and Developmental Disabilities was written because of the paucity of practical, evidence-based and person-centered information regarding the treatment and management of aggressive behavior exhibited by persons with these disabilities. This book will acquaint readers about the: *scope of aggression among the mentally and developmentally disabled persons *basic principles for designing and validating novel treatments for aggressive behavior *comprehensive functional assessment of aggression that permits individualized design of treatment interventions with a high likelihood of success in reducing or eliminating aggression toward others or self. *positive behavior supports for a wide range of developmentally disabled persons, including those with traumatic brain injuries *currently validated, evidence-based medications for the control of aggression and how to use medications so they are monitored for effectiveness *cognitive-behavior therapy for aggression among the mentally ill *national and international dissemination and adoption of the treatment techniques described in this book The major reason for writing this book was to bring these new directions in the effective treatment of aggressive behavior into the mainstream of services for persons with mental and developmental disabilities. The Editors engaged in enormous efforts of dissemination -- far beyond publications and presentations to professional colleagues at conferences, conventions and institutes. Our extensive dissemination efforts - where they given workshops and training institutes - have taken place in China, Japan, India, Turkey, Israel, Algeria, Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. For example, our colleagues in China recently informed us that over 50,000 Chinese persons with schizophrenia have participated in our published modules for training social and independent living skills. Our previous books have been translated in numerous languages, and at last count are in active use in 23 countries. Their goal in writing this book was to encourage various service agencies, treatment facilities and clinical teams to use positive techniques in managing aggressive behavior and teach appropriate communication and self-management skills.