Behavioural interventions for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI: a systematic review of the evidence

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI.

Design: Using a variety of search procedures, 65 studies were identified. This literature was reviewed using a set of questions about participants, interventions, outcomes and research methods.

Participants: The 65 studies included 172 experimental participants, including children and adults.

Interventions: A number of specific intervention procedures were used, falling into three general categories: traditional contingency management, positive behaviour interventions and supports and combined.

Results: All of the studies reported improvements in behavioural functioning.

Conclusions: Behavioural intervention, not otherwise specified, can be considered a treatment guideline for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI. Both traditional contingency management procedures and positive behaviour support procedures can be said to be evidence-based treatment options. However, a variety of methodological concerns block stronger conclusions.