A review of behavioral and pharmacological treatments for habit disorders in individuals with mental retardation

Abstract

This paper reviews the prevalence and behavioral and pharmacological treatment-outcome studies for habit disorders exhibited by individuals with mental retardation. The treatment-outcome studies target the habit disorders identified previously by researchers including nervous habits (nail biting, bruxism, and trichotillomania), motor and vocal tics, and Tourette's disorder. The paucity of behavioral treatments and the lack of controlled pharmacological research warrants further experimental evaluation of treatments for habit disorders affecting individuals with mental retardation. Conclusions and recommendations for future research are made.