Using functional analysis procedures to monitor medication effects in an outpatient and school setting

Functional analysis methods were used to monitor medication used to reduce vocal and physical tics of a child with Tourelles Syndrome. An initial functional analysis suggested that the tics were maintained by automatic reinforcement. Given this result, the participant's physician prescribed Orap 1mg per day to reduce the tics. Post-medication results demonstrated a reduced level of tics by the participant. Although preliminary, the findings suggest that functional analysis methods can be used to monitor the effects of medication in outpatient and school settings. Thus, more research using functional analyses to assess medication effects is needed.