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Habit Reversal Treatment of Repetitive Hand Writing in a 7-Year-Old Child with a Learning Disability

Suffolk University, Boston, dshumake{at}suffolk.edu

Habit reversal (HR) is a cognitive—behavioral treatment for tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, stereotypic movements, and habit disorders. This case study utilizes aspects of habit reversal, including awareness training, self-monitoring, and competing response training, as an intervention for obsessive—compulsive repetitive air handwriting in a 7-year-old girl with a significant learning disability. Therapy is provided on an outpatient basis in a private practice setting. Analysis of in-home, at-school, and in-session data collected by the parents, teacher, and therapist show decreased frequency in repetitive handwriting. Supplemental and cojoint administration of antianxiety medication extinguishes all obsessive handwriting within a 6-month period. These results support previous research demonstrating the efficacy of cojoint cognitive—behavioral and medication treatment of acute obsessive—compulsive symptomatology in children.

Key Words: habit reversal • obsessive compulsive disorder • cognitive behavioral therapy

This version was published on June 1, 2009

Clinical Case Studies, Vol. 8, No. 3, 163-173 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1534650109335503


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