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Dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: theoretical and empirical foundations
1New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division, White Plains 10605.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) effectively treats borderline personality disorder (BPD) by improving emotion regulation. This therapy significantly reduces self-harm behaviors and enhances social adjustment, with lasting benefits observed over a year.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by severe emotion dysregulation.
- Parasuicidal behavior is a common and dangerous symptom in BPD.
- Existing treatments may not adequately address the complex needs of BPD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for individuals with BPD.
- To assess DBT's impact on parasuicidal behaviors and emotion regulation.
- To examine the long-term maintenance of treatment gains.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trials were employed to assess DBT's effectiveness.
- The study compared DBT to other therapeutic approaches.
- A process study investigated the impact of specific DBT techniques.
Main Results:
- DBT demonstrated superiority in reducing parasuicide, medical risk, hospitalizations, and anger.
- Significant improvements were observed in social adjustment.
- Treatment gains were maintained at a 1-year follow-up.
- Dialectical techniques balancing acceptance and change were most effective.
Conclusions:
- DBT is a highly effective treatment for BPD, particularly for reducing self-harm.
- The biosocial theory underpinning DBT provides a framework for understanding BPD.
- DBT's integrated approach of acceptance and change is crucial for therapeutic success.