Exploring DBT skills training as a treatment avenue for generalized anxiety disorder. Issue 4 (21st April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malivoire, Bailee L.
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology. Volume 27:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-04-21
• Subjects: dialectical behavior therapy -- emotion regulation -- generalized anxiety disorder -- worry; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-5893

Abstract

Abstract: A noteworthy number of treatment seekers with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not achieve high end‐state functioning following cognitive‐behavioral therapy. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills training may be an effective alternative treatment for GAD, especially for those with complex comorbidities and elevated emotion dysregulation. This article reviews the advantages of DBT skills training for GAD, including the emphasis on emotion dysregulation, inclusion of acceptance‐based strategies, and the dialectical approach. The theoretical support for DBT skills is reviewed, and treatments for GAD involving DBT skills are critically evaluated to assess the potential for DBT skills training for GAD. Further, this article conjectures on clinical presentations of GAD that would benefit from DBT skills training.