A constructional approach to challenging behaviour in Mental Health services: A case review

Abstract

Background: The emphasis on community care in Mental Health risks hospital services becoming neglected. The patients now in hospital are increasingly those with the most severe problems and they too are at risk of neglect. This review describes a constructional approach based on behaviour analysis and intervention training and support (BAITS) to helping one such client live more independently in the community.

Aims: To describe the methods and results of a constructional approach (BAITS) to helping a client with severe and enduring mental health problems live more independently in the community.

Method: A case review of the approach used.

Results: With additional resources and a constructional approach the client progressed from long-term inpatient to living in the community.

Conclusions: Investment in such an approach can help clients who would be in hospital for long periods have a better quality of life in the community. This reduction in care needed offsets the initial costs.

Keywords:

• Challenging behaviour
• mental health
• constructional approach