Contingency management: what it is and why psychiatrists should want to use it

Abstract

Contingency management is a highly effective treatment for substance use and related disorders. However, few psychiatrists are familiar with this intervention or its application to a range of patient behaviours. This paper describes contingency management and evidence of its efficacy for reducing drug use. It then details areas in which contingency management interventions can be applied in the context of psychiatric treatments more generally, including increasing abstinence in individuals with dual diagnoses, encouraging attendance in mental health treatment settings, enhancing adherence to psychiatric medications, reducing weight, and improving exercise. Greater awareness and use of contingency management in practice may improve outcomes across a range of mental health and related conditions.