Effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy skills training group for adults with borderline personality disorder. Issue 7 (5th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heerebrand, Sharon L.; Bray, Jemma; Ulbrich, Christine; Roberts, Rachel M.; Edwards, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 77:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 1573
• Page End: 1590
• Publication Date: 2021-04-05
• Subjects: borderline personality disorder -- dialectical behavior therapy -- emergency department -- service utilization -- treatment; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Group (DBT‐ST) component of DBT. Method: Participants ( N = 114) attended an 18–20‐week DBT‐ST. The study utilized a quasi‐experimental design with a within‐persons control group for a measure of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms (at referral), and emergency department (ED) presentations, and psychiatric bed‐days (both assessed for 6 months pre‐ and post‐intervention). Primary outcomes were the number of BPD symptoms, psychological distress, depression, rate of ED presentations, and psychiatric inpatient bed‐days. Results: After completing DBT‐ST, participants had reduced BPD symptoms, psychological distress, and depression ( p < 0.001). The waitlist control group showed no improvement in BPD symptoms ( p = 0.085). The rate of ED presentations was reduced ( p = 0.001). There was no reduction in psychiatric inpatient bed‐days ( p = 0.160), likely due to insufficient power. Conclusions: DBT‐ST participation in addition to treatment‐as‐usual is an effective treatment for people with BPD.