Oral Self-Injurious Behaviors in Patients with Developmental Disabilities
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Dental Clinics of North America
Abstract
Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) in patients who have developmental disabilities is a complex disorder, and its underlying etiologies are poorly understood. SIB is a significant factor in hospitalizations, decisions to use psychotropic medications, and institutional placement for people who have developmental disabilities. Because this group often manifests oral SIB, the dentist may be the first professional called upon to evaluate a patient. Dental therapy focuses on symptomatic treatment to minimize tissue damage caused by SIB, but addressing the underlying impetus for the behavior is essential for successful treatment. Determining definitive therapeutic interventions is difficult because of the mixed bio behavioral etiologies for SIB. This complication necessitates a team approach that includes medical and behavioral specialists. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
First Page
339
Last Page
350
DOI
10.1016/j.cden.2008.12.015
Publication Date
4-1-2009
Recommended Citation
Romer, Maureen and Dougherty, Nancy J., "Oral Self-Injurious Behaviors in Patients with Developmental Disabilities" (2009). ASDOH Faculty Publications. 152.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/asdoh-faculty/152