Behavioral Relaxation Training to reduce hyperventilation and seizures in a profoundly retarded epileptic child

Abstract

Behavioral Relaxation Training (BRT), a set of 10 overt postural behaviors taught directly by prompting and performance feedback, was used to establish selfcontrol of hyperventilation and seizures in a profoundly retarded epileptic boy. Additional treatment components included positive reinforcement and fading of prompts. The frequency of hyperventilation episodes, and seizures which directly followed hyperventilation, decreased at home and school by more than 50%. Followup data, collected each of 6 months, indicated maintenance of therapeutic gains. Further, social validation at home, school, and with a neurologist indicated satisfaction with the procedures and outcome. Thus, behavioral relaxation training can be effectively employed with profoundly retarded clients. And reduction of preseizure behavior in an epileptic child can result in the subsequent reduction of seizure activity.