A Preliminary Study of an Extension of a Community Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Programme to Adolescents in the Looked After Care System.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents in the Looked After Care (LAC) system demonstrate high rates of psychiatric disorder and self-harm; however, there is little evidence for therapies reducing self-harm in this population. METHOD: An open evaluation of DBT for adolescents with repeated serious self-harm in the LAC system was undertaken. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that DBT was successful at reducing the core elements of depression, hopelessness and self-harm; however, 35% (7/20) failed to engage. CONCLUSION: DBT is a useful treatment option; the failure, however, of some adolescents to engage in therapy may be due to their higher initial rates of depression and hopelessness.

A Preliminary Community Study of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with Adolescent Females Demonstrating Persistent, Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH).

A study of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for 16 older female adolescents with persistent and severe deliberate self-harm was undertaken. Independent assessments were carried out pre- and post-treatment, and at eight months follow-up. On average subjects completed more than 78% of sessions. There was a marked reduction in self reported depression (F = 12.8, df = 2, p < .001); hopelessness (F = 15.9, df = 2, p < .001); episodes of deliberate self-harm (F = 23.9, df = 2, p < .001); alongside an increase in general functioning (F = 22.9, df = 2, p < .001).