POSITIVE SIDE-EFFECTS IN THE TREATMENT OF SIB USING THE SELF-INJURIOUS-BEHAVIOR INHIBITING SYSTEM (SIBIS) - IMPLICATIONS FOR OPERANT AND BIOCHEMICAL EXPLANATIONS OF SIB

The rate of self-injurious head hitting was reduced using contingent e lectric shock delivered via the Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting Sys tem (SIBIS). Positive side effects indicating an improved affective st ate and increased interaction with the environment were documented. Tr eatment gains were maintained at a 1-year follow-up assessment. The co nsistent reports of positive affective side effects from successful tr eatment studies using SIBIS and contingent electric shock are noted. I mplications for current operant-based theories of SIB based on the com munication function of SIB and endogenous opiate mechanisms are discus sed.