A Pilot Evaluation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents Within a Partial Hospitalization Treatment Milieu. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Del Conte, Garry; Lenz, A. Stephen; Hollenbaugh, K. Michelle
• Is Part Of: Journal of child and adolescent counseling. Volume 2:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: children and adolescents -- dialectical behavior therapy -- partial hospitalization; Child psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Children -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Counseling of -- Periodicals; 618.928914
• DOI: 10.1080/23727810.2015.1134008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2372-7810

Abstract

Abstract : This study investigated the magnitude of treatment effect associated with a time-limited, transdiagnostic application of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents delivered within a partial hospitalization program. Participants were 48 adolescents (25 girls, 52%; 23 boys, 48%) with a mean age of 15.41 years ( SD = 1.48) who met diagnostic criteria for a primary diagnosis of a depressive disorder ( n = 17, 35%); bipolar disorder ( n = 11, 23%); and mood disorder, not otherwise specified ( n = 10, 21%); anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified ( n = 3; 6%); disruptive mood dysregulation disorder ( n = 3; 6%); attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( n = 3; 6%); and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( n = 1; 2%). Results of paired-samples t tests and interpretation of effect sizes indicated meaningful changes from intake assessment to discharge on measures of evaluating psychological symptoms, ways of coping, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. No significant findings were detected for participants' development of relational health. Implications of these findings and recommendations for mental health counselors who work with adolescents are provided.