Effects of Dexmethylphenidate on Targeted and Non-Targeted Behaviours during Functional Analyses: A Brief Report

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of dexmethylphenidate on problem behavior during functional analyses conducted across dexmethylphenidate and placebo conditions for a child with multiple disabilities. Methods: We conducted functional analyses in a multielement format embedded in a withdrawal design and collected data on the frequency of disruptive behavior and duration of crying. Results: Results suggest disruptive behaviour was maintained by attention when DMPH was absent, but not when it was present. Results also suggest DMPH may have had collateral effects on the probability of non-targeted behaviour (crying). Consistent with previous research, functional analyses exhibited a change in disruptive behaviour's function between medication and placebo conditions. Conclusion: These findings provide further support that stimulant medication may change the function of disruptive behavior and highlight the need to investigate the effects of stimulants on non-targeted behaviors.