Descriptive Analysis of the Administration of PRN Medication for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Problem Behaviour

Abstract

There is little research within the literature that demonstrates the efficacy of using PRN administration as an effective treatment for the reduction of problem behaviours in individuals with intellectual disabilities. In addition to this, the research surrounding PRN administration for problem behaviours is purely descriptive. The current study aimed to conduct a descriptive analysis using direct observational methods to determine: 1) whether the administration of PRN medication shows a reduction in levels of problem behaviour, 2) the potential maintaining functions of problem behaviour that precede PRN events, and 3) whether occurrences of precursor behaviours are reliable predictors of problem behaviours that are associated with PRN administration events. A 10 s partial interval method of recording was used to measure PRN administration events, attention, problem behaviour, and precursor behaviour. Conditional probability analyses and lag sequential analyses were then conducted to evaluate the data. The results of the conditional probability analysis and lag sequential analyses showed a strong relationship between problem behaviour and attention for three of the four participants, indicating that problem behaviour may have been socially mediated. The results for the final participant were unclear. Results of the PRN analysis suggested a decrease in problem behaviour following PRN administration; however, other factors may have been involved. Finally, results of the precursor analysis showed no strong relationship between precursor and problem behaviours. It was concluded that further research needs to be conducted in the area of PRN administration for problem behaviours as the effectiveness of PRN in reducing problem behaviours remains unclear. However, it would appear that many problem behaviours that are associated with PRN administration could be socially mediated and could therefore, potentially be reduced using behavioural interventions. These could then indirectly decrease the amount of PRN administering that takes place in individuals with intellectual disabilities and severe problem behaviours.