Dialectical behavior therapy as treatment for borderline personality disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Background:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured outpatient treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
• DBT is the only empirically supported treatment for BPD, demonstrating efficacy in other disorders like substance use, mood, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• Outline the basic principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
• Comment on the role of pharmacotherapy as adjunctive treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) symptoms.

Main Methods:

• DBT integrates four components: skills training group, individual psychotherapy, telephone consultation, and therapist consultation team.
• Skills taught include mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
• Addresses common BPD symptoms: unstable self, chaotic relationships, fear of abandonment, emotional lability, and impulsivity.

Main Results:

• Randomized controlled trials confirm DBT's efficacy in BPD and comorbid conditions.
• Psychopharmacologic interventions are often considered appropriate adjunctive care for BPD patients with comorbid psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions:

• DBT provides a comprehensive framework for managing BPD.
• Pharmacotherapy can serve as a valuable adjunct to DBT for symptom management in BPD.