DESCRIBING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR - A PILOT-STUDY-1

The need for specialised services for adults with challenging behaviou r was assessed in a pilot study in one hospital setting. The nature of the challenge to services was evaluated for 31 residents receiving ps ychiatric treatment and rehabilitation living in four residential unit s. Behaviour problems were assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Check list (ABC) and the Psychopathology Inventory for Mentally Retarded Adu lts (PIMRA). Functional disability was rated using the Disability Asse ssment Schedule (DAS). Information from these measures, together with case note data and interviews with keyworkers and residents, were used to make multiaxial diagnoses using the ICD10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (WHO, 1992). Methodological issues concerni ng the evaluation of challenging behaviour are discussed.