The Multimodal Functional Model–Advancing Case Formulation Beyond the “Diagnose and Treat” Paradigm: Improving Outcomes and Reducing Aggression and the Use of Control Procedures in Psychiatric Care

Improving clinical outcomes, treating aggression, and reducing the use of restraints and seclusion are major concerns to providers of psychiatric services. Devising precise treatments directed by causal hypotheses that address the functional properties of maladaptive behaviors are essential for reducing aggression, increasing understanding of causal factors, and enhancing individual control and adaptive choices. This article describes the Multimodal Functional Model (MFM), a sophisticated case formulation and treatment model that moves beyond the “diagnose and treat” paradigm and provides interventions that address causal factors, reduce aggression, and prevents the use of restraints and seclusion in psychiatric settings.