Association for Behavior Analysis International

As behavior analysts we have developed a highly refined field of basic Behavioral Pharmacology research evaluating the effects of drugs on behavior. We have not been as successful in developing the field of Applied Behavioral Pharmacology that evaluates the effects of drugs on behavior using those same behavioral principles. Research has focused on 1) contingency management with individuals exposed to drugs of abuse or 2) clinical effects of psychotropic drugs on problem behavior that co-occur with psychiatric conditions, primarily with individuals with disabilities. It is unclear how we might move forward to obtain funding for clinical trial research given the methods of individualized treatment and single subject designs we currently employ. After discussing current challenges to doing Behavioral Pharmacology research, the panel and audience will explore the benefits of formalizing the field of Applied Behavioral Pharmacology and the implications this may have for research, grant funding, and eventually clinical practice.