What disorders can DBT treat?
Dialectic behavioural therapy was developed by Marsha Linehan, (Ph.D., ABPP, clinical
psychologist) and faculty member at the University of Washington in the 1970’s early1980s.
Specifically, they developed DBT for the treatment of borderline disease (BPD). Later, it has
been modified to enhance therapy for other conditions including emotional dysfunction,
depression, eating disorders, and drug misuse, many of which also co-occur with BPD.
This form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy allows those who have formed habits of
extreme emotional responses and impulsive behavior such as excessive feelings of pain and
rejection – a sensation of walking on a path full of burnt coals.
DBT therapy often is the most effective therapy for people dealing with self-harm acts such
as cutting hands or having persistent suicidal ideation.
Dialectical behavior therapy teaches us four critically important skills i.e., Distress tolerance
Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Interpersonal effectiveness; that can both reduce the size
of emotional waves and help one to keep balance when emotions overwhelm them.
The American Psychiatric Association has approved DBT therapy as effective in the
treatment of borderline personality disorder. Patients receiving DBT have seen changes, such
as:
?Less regular and less extreme suicide behaviour
?Shorter Hospitalization
?Less Fury
?Less likely to drop medication
?Enhanced social functioning
Is Dialectic therapy effective?
Multiple research results indicate the effectiveness of DBT. It can be particularly helpful in
coping with borderline personality disorders, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and suicidality.
In a randomized study performed in an inpatient environment, Bohus et al. (2004) found that
patients who underwent three months of DBT benefited at a faster rate than those who
received care as normal.
According to the SAMHSA National List of Evidence-based Services and Activities, several
randomized trials and independent research showed that one year of DBT reduced the
occurrence of self-harming habits at a higher rate than conventional therapies.
(h2)DBT strategies
DBT developed into a method focused on evidence for the treatment of several conditions of
psychotherapy. These clinical environments are used for DBT.
• Community environments in which patients are taught behavioural skills by homework and
role-playing new modes of interaction.
• Individual treatment with a qualified physician in which a patient is tailored to their life
challenges.
DBT typically includes at least one weekly hour-long individual session and one weekly 2 to
2.5 hour-long group session, each directed by a DBT practitioner. Psychotropic drugs can be
appropriate to complement client treatment, but DBT is usually the main way of helping
individuals with patterns of emotional dysfunction. Treatment usually lasts from six months
to a year, depending on the nature of the symptoms, the duration of sessions.
How to find a DBT therapist
Look for professional help if the emotional dysfunction seems to continue for a
disproportionate amount of time. This might indicate the development of a mental health
issue. HopeQure certified psychologist/therapist is available to help you cope with the
distress and discomfort which is caused by such conditions through various therapies.
Let us take an oath to prioritize both our mental health and physical health before anything.