Positive side effects in the treatment of SIB using the Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS): implications for operant and biochemical explanations of SIB.

The rate of self-injurious head hitting was reduced using contingent electric shock delivered via the Self-Injurious Behavior Inhibiting System (SIBIS). Positive side effects indicating an improved affective state and increased interaction with the environment were documented. Treatment gains were maintained at a 1-year follow-up assessment. The consistent reports of positive affective side effects from successful treatment studies using SIBIS and contingent electric shock are noted. Implications for current operant-based theories of SIB based on the communication function of SIB and endogenous opiate mechanisms are discussed.