Chapter 13 - Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

This chapter discusses the nature and extent of behavioral disorders in nonhuman primates. It examines the possible physiological and environmental determinants of the behavioral pathology in nonhuman primates. Abnormal behavior in nonhuman primates often takes the form of stereotypic behavior—that is, a repetitive, frequently idiosyncratic, highly ritualized action that does not serve any apparent biological purpose. Nonhuman primates can exhibit intense and severe forms of abnormal behavior that can potentially yield tissue irritation or damage. Several possible therapeutic interventions and preventative approaches to abnormal behavior are also discussed in the chapter. One of the most common means of determining if a nonhuman primate is afflicted with a psychological disorder involves monitoring the behavioral repertoire of that animal for the occurrence of potentially maladaptive patterns. The development of normal behavior in nonhuman primates is critically dependent on the way a primate is reared during infancy.