Differential Treatments for Different Repetitive Behaviour Problems

Obviously the more precise the diagnosis of a repetitive behaviour problem, the more specific the treatment interventions can be potentially. However it is also important to ensure that the recommendations are achievable by the client and not simply the theoretically based option. Partly for this reason, in addition to identifying specific triggers of the problem, and establishing a diagnosis based around the input from relevant affective systems (see the second lecture in this series), it is very useful to undertake a general stress audit (1) relating to the management of the animal, since this may exacerbate the problem and/or predispose the animal to relapse. Broadly speaking this involves identifying the different types of potential stressor in the animals normal routine (classified according to the type of emotional demand they place upon the animal), evaluating their significance to the overall load being placed upon the animal and negotiating with clients a different style of behaviour which minimizes the impact of these. Addressing the background level of stress relative to the emotional state underpinning the development of repetitive behaviour is therefore an important part of any treatment plan. This will generally involve increasing the level of predictability and control the animal has within its environment, such as through the introduction of a safe haven and ensuring that interactions between the animal and its carer are both consistent and well structured. Casual interaction may need to be avoided and replaced with more formal structured command-response-reward interactions. All punishment should stop.

The principles of more specific treatment obviously depend on the context in which the predisposing emotion is aroused (e.g. approach avoidance conflict, frustration of access to an incentive, comfort seeking, anxiety etc), but key points to consider are: [...]