Aversive techniques Ethical guidelines

Question 1

What are therapeutic aversive procedures?

Answer 1

The presentation of an unpleasant consequence contingent on the occurrence of a targeted behaviour

Question 2

What is the purpose of using an aversive procedure

Answer 2

To benefit the client

Question 3

What type of therapy usually involves aversive procedures

Answer 3

Behavioural therapy

Question 4

When can you use an aversive therapy with a client

Answer 4

Only when there is clear benefit to the client

Question 5

What are external aversive procedures

Answer 5

Using external sources that cause the discomfort or distress

Question 6

What are some examples of external aversive procedures

Answer 6

1. Electric shock
2. Water sprays
3. Antabuse
4. Pinches

Question 7

What is antabuse

Answer 7

A medication that causes extremely unpleasant reactions if a person drinks alcohol

Question 8

What is an internal aversive procedure

Answer 8

It involve an internal noxious stimulus like visualising or imagining something that makes the client uncomfortable or distressed

Question 9

If you decide that an aversive therapeutic procedure is appropriate for a client what 4 things should you do

Answer 9

1. Ensure that the client understands the goals and purposes of using the technique
2. Ensure you get informed consent
3. Once implements monitor the effectiveness of the treatment regularly
4. Create a clear plan for review and document evidence of such reviews

Question 10

When are therapeutic aversive procedures allowed to be used in research

Answer 10

only when there are no other alternatives, the potential benefits of the research clearly outweigh any risks to clients and where the clients have made fully informed and free choice to participate

Question 11

What things need to be explained to ensure informed consent is received re: an aversive procedure

Answer 11

1. Explain the nature and purpose of the procedure
2. Explain risks, adverse effects and disadvantages of the procedure
3. Highlight that client can decline or withdraw from the procedure whenever they wish
4. Explain the consequences if they decline to participate

Question 12

What steps do you take before you decide to proceed with a therapeutic aversive procedure

Answer 12

1. Ensure there is documented evidence that all possible non-aversive procedures have been tried by competent practitioners and failed
2. Review and evaluate the relevant scientific literature
3. Be aware and comply with legislative requirements in relation to the procedure
4. Ensure you have advanced training in the use of the technique

Question 13

How do you select what type of intervention to use

Answer 13

Always try less aversive and restrictive procedures first.

Question 14

How does one implement a therapeutic aversive procedure

Answer 14

1. Get a baseline for the target behaviour.
2. MOnitor and document the inervention
3. IF the behaviour is not improving at the desired rate terminate or review the treatment
4. If the detrimental effects of the procedure begin to outweigh the benefits - cease or modify the intervention