Medium-term Effects of Intensified Inpatient Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Psychosocial Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is effective for borderline personality disorder (BPD).
• Limited data exists on medium-term psychosocial outcomes after inpatient DBT for BPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate medium-term effects of an intensified inpatient DBT program on psychosocial outcomes.
• Identify predictors of treatment response in BPD patients undergoing inpatient DBT.

Main Methods:

• 115 BPD patients in an 8-week inpatient DBT program were evaluated.
• Symptom severity (BSL-23) and psychosocial functioning (IRES-3) were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up.
• Predictors of response were analyzed using pre-post comparisons.

Main Results:

• 80% of patients completed the program; completers were older.
• Significant, large reductions in BPD symptoms were observed post-treatment and moderate reductions at 6-month follow-up.
• Patients reported improved social support, relationships, life, and job satisfaction at follow-up; higher education predicted response.

Conclusions:

• Intensified inpatient DBT leads to sustained symptom reduction and psychosocial improvement in BPD patients.
• Educational attainment and age at treatment onset are potential critical factors for successful DBT outcomes.