Brief functional analysis and treatment of bizarre vocalizations in an adult with schizophrenia

Variables responsible for the maintenance of bizarre vocalizations emitted by an adult diagnosed with schizophrenia were examined via a brief function al analysis, and results suggested that the behavior was maintained by atte ntion. A treatment consisting of extinction and differential reinforcement of appropriate vocalizations was effective in reducing bizarre vocalization s and increasing appropriate vocalizations. The use of functional analysis methodology to examine variables that maintain problem behavior in this pop ulation is discussed.