A LOGICAL FUNCTIONAL-ANALYSIS OF REINFORCEMENT-BASED DISORDERS - ALCOHOLISM AND PEDOPHILIA

This article discusses a nomothetic functional strategy, termed logica l functional analysis, as an approach to the refinement of the structu ral diagnostic categories of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(e.g., 4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Associati on, 1994). As heterogeneous diagnostic categories are more the norm th an the exception in the DSM-IV, an argument is made for the identifica tion of homogenous subgroups within diagnostic classes based on functi onal principles. Outlines of a logical functional analysis for 2 reinf orcement-based disorders, alcoholism and pedophilia, are presented. Th ese outlines show how topographically similar behavior patterns can se rve different functions that are important to consider when making tre atment decisions. The logical functional analysis is a strategy that h elps practitioners to identify motivational conditions, antecedents, c onsequences. and concomitant behavioral repertoires associated with a given disorder. It also provides guidance for the selection of interve ntion strategies.