Some Contributions of Functional Analysis to the Assessment of Behaviors Associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and the Effects of Stimulant Medication

Abstract

The usefulness of functional analysis procedures for the assessment and treatment of behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been the subject of a number of recent investigations. This article provides a selected review of recent studies and examines potential implications for practice. Conclusions suggest that functional analysis may be particularly useful for identifying behaviors that are (or are not) maintained by social consequences and for the subsequent development of optimal individualized treatments. A review of recent studies in which the researchers have conducted functional analyses while also conducting concurrent medication assessments is also provided. Conclusions illustrate the unique contributions of functional analysis procedures to medication assessments. Subsequent implications for determining the most beneficial uses of medication are discussed. In conclusion, the procedures of a local public-school-based program are described to illustrate the potential for classroom-based applications of general functional assessment procedures to evaluate the effects of behavioral and medication treatments.