Aversive Therapy

abeagler

20 Aug 201903:36

Summary

TLDRThe script discusses the controversial use of skin shock therapy at the Behavior Research Institute in Rhode Island for individuals with severe self-abuse behaviors. Despite challenges from officials and critics in Massachusetts, parents and some patients support the therapy, claiming it has improved their quality of life. The therapy involves mild electric pulses to deter self-harm, with proponents arguing it's more humane than alternative methods like helmets. The debate centers on the ethics of using aversive therapy and its effectiveness in treating patients with severe behavioral issues.

Takeaways

👦 Brandon is an 18-year-old with a history of seizures and self-abuse, requiring constant supervision and intervention.
🔬 The Behavior Research Institute in Rhode Island developed a device to administer mild electric pulses to help control self-abuse behaviors.
🚫 The treatment has been controversial, with some officials and parents calling for its discontinuation, citing ethical concerns.
👨‍⚕️ Despite opposition, some parents, like Susan Phelan, have seen positive results and support the use of skin shock therapy for their children.
📈 After receiving stronger shocks, Brandon gained about 20 pounds within five weeks, indicating a potential improvement in his condition.
🏥 The treatment is administered under strict guidelines, with the aim of minimizing self-harm and maximizing the well-being of the patients.
💡 Matthew Israel, the doctor behind the therapy, argues that his program provides more rewards than punishments and is necessary for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
🤝 Parents Phyllis and James Shields approve of the therapy, finding it effective and less invasive than alternative methods, such as wearing a helmet.
👨‍🎓 Michael Shields, a patient, has been able to work and earn money thanks to the reduction in self-abuse behaviors after the therapy.
🗣️ Students capable of conversing have reported improvements in their behavior and a reduction in self-abusive acts due to the skin shock therapy.
⚖️ Dr. Israel is taking the case to court to defend the treatment, believing it has given new life to patients who were otherwise unresponsive to treatment.

Q & A

How old is Brandon and what is his condition?
-Brandon is 18 years old and is described as small for his age with a history of seizures nearly 24 hours a day.
What measures are taken to manage Brandon's self-abuse?
-Brandon wears five electrodes on his body and has a therapist at his side with remote controls to administer skin shocks if gentler methods fail.
What was the outcome of the treatment using mild electric pulses on Brandon?
-The treatment using mild electric pulses had no effect on Brandon.
What did the Behavior Research Institute in Rhode Island develop for Brandon?
-The Behavior Research Institute developed a stronger shock device that could grab anyone's attention with a brief burning sensation.
How effective was the new treatment on Brandon's weight?
-Within five weeks of receiving the stronger shocks, Brandon gained about 20 pounds.
What is the opinion of Mathew Israel regarding the aversive therapy methods?
-Mathew Israel believes that his program gives students far more rewards than punishments and discontinues shocks when possible, convinced it gave new life to patients no one else could help.
What is the stance of Massachusetts officials on skin shock therapy?
-Officials in Massachusetts want to decertify the program, effectively ending the skin shock therapy.
How do parents of students at the Institute feel about the skin shock therapy?
-Parents of students at the Institute approve of the skin shock therapy, believing it is effective and does not invade their children's rights to privacy.
What was the impact of skin shock therapy on Terry, a student with cerebral palsy?
-Skin shock therapy stopped Terry's self-abuse long enough for doctors to discover and treat his chronic ear infections.
What alternative did Michael Shields use before skin shock therapy?
-Before skin shock therapy, Michael Shields used to wear a helmet for weeks on end to prevent self-abuse.
How do students capable of conversing view the skin shock therapy?
-Students capable of conversing have reported that the skin shocks have helped them, stating they are not acting out like they did before.
What is the position of Matthew Israel regarding the criticism of his treatment methods?
-Matthew Israel is going back to court to fight for a treatment he is convinced gave new life to patients no one else could help, despite criticism.