Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious public health problem. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a program that has provided encouraging results for its treatment. However, scientific evidence about its efficacy is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to describe the scientific production on the components of the DBT program and its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of people with BPD. Method : A systematic review with relevant keywords was conducted based on studies available in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed until June 2023, including studies in English, research on therapeutic intervention, studies with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design that included people with the diagnosis of BPD. Results: We found 18 RCTs, most of which supported the effectiveness of DBT for BPD. There were a total of 1,755 participants in these studies, most of whom were women. These studies looked for treating self-injurious behaviors, suicidal thoughts or ideations, number of visits to emergency services, and frequency of hospital admissions. Most studies revealed that both short-term DBT and standard DBT improved suicidality in BPD patients with small or moderate effect sizes, lasting up to 24 months after the treatment period. Furthermore, these studies showed that DBT can significantly improve general psychopathology and depressive symptoms in patients with BPD. Improvement of compliance, impulsivity, mood instability, as well as reduction in hospitalization rate are other findings observed in the trials following DBT. Conclusion: Although DBT shows efficacy in the treatment of BPD, heterogeneity in the methodologies employed is highlighted. Therefore, it is necessary to design studies from a homogeneous theoretical and methodological framework.

Effects of DBT-based interventions on alexithymia: a systematic review.

While dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) appears effective for some psychiatric conditions commonly associated with alexithymia, it is unclear whether DBT improves difficulties experienced by alexithymic individuals. This review investigated the current evidence on the effectiveness of DBT-based interventions in improving alexithymia. A qualitative synthesis of studies that investigated the efficacy of DBT on self-reported alexithymia was performed, identifying eligible studies using EBSCO/Essentials, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychINFO databases. Eight studies were identified. Overall, the results were inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the studies but suggest that DBT-based interventions may be associated with self-reported decreases in alexithymia and increases in the ability to identify emotional states. The literature is limited by significant methodological problems, such as the low number of controlled trials, small samples, and high variability between DBT programs, which increases the risk of bias across study outcomes. More research is needed to reach conclusions regarding the effectiveness of DBT in improving alexithymia. Future studies should conduct randomized controlled trial designs (primarily with active treatment control conditions), greater standardization of DBT-based interventions, and a more in-depth examination of the level of participant involvement in long-term DBT-based interventions may help to understand whether DBT improves alexithymia difficulties.

Preliminary outcomes from a single-session, asynchronous, online stress and anxiety management workshop for college students.

OBJECTIVES: Self-guided, asynchronous, online interventions may provide college students access to evidence-based care, while mitigating barriers like limited hours of service. Thus, we examined the preliminary effectiveness of a 45-minute, self-guided, asynchronous, online, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed stress and anxiety management workshop. College undergraduates (n = 131) were randomized to either workshop (n = 65) or waitlist control (n = 66) conditions. METHODS: Participants in the workshop condition completed baseline measures of depression, stress, and anxiety, before completing the workshop. Participants in the waitlist control condition only completed the baseline measures. All participants were reassessed at 1-week follow-up. RESULTS: Controlling for baseline measures, students in the workshop condition experienced significantly less stress and greater self-efficacy to regulate stress and anxiety at follow-up, compared to waitlist controls. CONCLUSION: A 45-minute, self-guided, asynchronous, online DBT skills-informed stress and anxiety management workshop may reduce stress and improve self-efficacy to regulate stress and anxiety.

Preliminary outcomes from a single-session, asynchronous, online stress and anxiety management workshop for college students

Abstract Objectives Self-guided, asynchronous, online interventions may provide college students access to evidence-based care, while mitigating barriers like limited hours of service. Thus, we examined the preliminary effectiveness of a 45-minute, self-guided, asynchronous, online, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed stress and anxiety management workshop. College undergraduates (n = 131) were randomized to either workshop (n = 65) or waitlist control (n = 66) conditions. Methods Participants in the workshop condition completed baseline measures of depression, stress, and anxiety, before completing the workshop. Participants in the waitlist control condition only completed the baseline measures. All participants were reassessed at 1-week follow-up. Results Controlling for baseline measures, students in the workshop condition experienced significantly less stress and greater self-efficacy to regulate stress and anxiety at follow-up, compared to waitlist controls. Conclusion A 45-minute, self-guided, asynchronous, online DBT skills-informed stress and anxiety management workshop may reduce stress and improve self-efficacy to regulate stress and anxiety.

Study of the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy versus dialectical behavior therapy on executive function and reduction of symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of dialectical behavior therapy on generalized anxiety disorder have not been examined to date, whereas cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy versus dialectical behavior therapy on executive function and reduction of symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder. METHOD: In the present study, 72 generalized anxiety disorder patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Evaluations were performed at baseline, post-test, and three months after interventions as a follow-up. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Tower of London Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task.Results: The results of the present study showed that both groups had reduced scores for depression and anxiety and increased scores for executive function after the psychotherapies. These changes were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although depression and anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced by cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy was more effective for improving executive function.

Study of the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy versus dialectical behavior therapy on executive function and reduction of symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract Introduction The effects of dialectical behavior therapy on generalized anxiety disorder have not been examined to date, whereas cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-known psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Objectives This study investigated the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy versus dialectical behavior therapy on executive function and reduction of symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder. Method In the present study, 72 generalized anxiety disorder patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: dialectical behavior therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Evaluations were performed at baseline, post-test, and three months after interventions as a follow-up. Measures included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Tower of London Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task.Results: The results of the present study showed that both groups had reduced scores for depression and anxiety and increased scores for executive function after the psychotherapies. These changes were maintained at follow-up. Conclusion Although depression and anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced by cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy was more effective for improving executive function.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for reducing craving and achieving cessation in patients with marijuana use disorder: feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot RCT investigating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for marijuana cessation and craving reduction. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with marijuana use disorder diagnoses were randomly assigned to a DBT group or a control group (psycho-education). Patients completed measures at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at two-month follow-up. The Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ) and marijuana urine test kits were used to assess craving and abstinence respectively. RESULTS: The feasibility of DBT was significantly higher than control group feasibility. In the DBT 29/30 participants completed all sessions (96% retention) and 24/31 control group participants completed all sessions (77% retention) (χ2 = 4.95, p = 0.02). Moreover, 29/30 (96%) participants in the DBT group completed the two-month follow-up and 20/31 (64.5%) control group members completed the two-month follow-up (χ2 = 9.97, p = 0.002). The results showed that patients in the DBT group had significantly higher intervention acceptability rates (16.57 vs. 9.6) than those in the control group. This pattern was repeated for appropriateness rates (p < 0.05). The overall results for craving showed that there was no significant difference between the groups (F = 3.52, p > 0.05), although DBT showed a significant reduction in the "emotionality" subscale compared to the control group (F = 19.94, p < 0.05). To analyze cessation rates, DBT was compared to the control group at the posttest (46% vs. 16%) and follow-up (40% vs. 9.5%) and the results confirmed higher effectiveness in the DBT group for cessation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, among those who had lapsed, participants in the DBT group had fewer consumption days than those in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DBT showed feasibility, acceptability, and promising efficacy in terms of the marijuana cessation rate. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thailand Registry of Clinical Trials, TCTR20200319007.

Feasibility trial of the dialectical behavior therapy skills training group as add-on treatment for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore the feasibility, and efficacy of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skill Training Group (DBT-ST) as an add-on treatment for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Latin America. METHOD: Adults with ADHD (n = 31) with stable medication treatment for ADHD and residual symptoms (ASRS > 20) were randomly assigned to DBT-ST (n = 16) or treatment as usual (TaU; n = 15) for 12 weeks. Feasibility was accessed by attendance and completion rates at 12 weeks. Efficacy outcomes were measured with the ASRS, and performed at 0, 6, 12, and 16 weeks. RESULTS: The DBT-ST protocol had 81.25% completion rate, with a mean attendance of 87.25% of the sessions. No significant interactions between group and time were detected for outcome measures. DISCUSSION: The DBT-ST was feasible as add-on treatment for adult patients with ADHD in Latin America. Replicating previous findings, DBT-ST has shown no significantly higher improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison with TaU. Registered at the Clinical Trials database (NCT03326427).

Dialectical behavior therapy in the Asia-Pacific Rim region.

BACKGROUND: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) contributes to suicide-related morbidity and mortality and requires more intensive psychotherapeutic resources due to its high mental health service usage. Accessibility to an evidence-based treatment program is a cornerstone to support patients with BPD and part of broader suicide prevention efforts as well as improving their quality of life. AIMS: In this article, the authors aim to discuss and review available dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and DBT-informed services of selected countries in the Asia-Pacific Rim, namely Singapore, Malaysia, and Mexico. MATERIALS & METHODS: We contacted providers of different services and gathered information on the process of setting up the service and adapting the treatment, in addition to reviewing the available literature published in the countries. RESULTS: To date, there have been a pair of DBT-informed services in Singapore, four in Malaysia, and several in Mexico with a few of them offering standard DBT. Different efforts have been put in place to increase the accessibility to training and also the number of DBT practitioners. DISCUSSION: Important considerations during the process of setting up new services include the use of domestic examples and local language that are contextually appropriate for the local community. Selected challenges faced in common include shortage of workforce, affordability of training programs, and the need for language adaptation with or without translation. CONCLUSION: Further long-term evaluation of locally adapted DBT-informed mental health services will help to elucidate the effectiveness and efficacy of the program which will potentially serve as a guide for other resource-scarce regions.

Clinical efficacy of a combined acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, and functional analytic psychotherapy intervention in patients with borderline personality disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) consists of a persistent pattern of instability in affective regulation, impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. Although certain forms of psychotherapy are effective, their effects are small to moderate. One of the strategies that have been proposed to improve interventions involves integrating the therapeutic elements of different psychotherapy modalities from a contextual behavioural perspective (ACT, DBT, and FAP). METHODS: Patients (n = 65) attending the BPD Clinic of the Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz in Mexico City who agreed to participate in the study were assigned to an ACT group (n = 22), a DBT group (n = 20), or a combined ACT + DBT + FAP therapy group (n = 23). Patients were assessed at baseline and after therapeutic trial on measures of BPD symptom severity, emotion dysregulation, experiential avoidance, attachment, control over experiences, and awareness of stimuli. RESULTS: ANOVA analyses showed no differences between the three therapeutic groups in baseline measures. Results of the MANOVA model showed significant differences in most dependent measures over time but not between therapeutic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Three modalities of brief, contextual behavioural therapy proved to be useful in decreasing BPD symptom severity and emotional dysregulation, as well as negative interpersonal attachment. These changes were related to the reduction of experiential avoidance and the acquisition of mindfulness skills in all treatment groups, which may explain why no differences between the three different intervention modalities were observed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Brief adaptations of acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy are effective interventions for BPD patients, in combined or isolated modalities, and with or without the inclusion of functional analytic psychotherapy. The reduction of experiential avoidance and the acquisition of mindfulness skills are related with the diminution of BPD symptoms severity, including emotional dysregulation and negative interpersonal attachment.

Effects of a dialectical behavior therapy-based skills group intervention for obese individuals: a Brazilian pilot study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to analyze the effects of an adapted dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training group on problematic and adaptive eating behaviors in Brazilian obese individuals. METHODS: Thirty-one obese individuals were randomly assigned to 10 sessions of adapted DBT skills training (n = 14) or two months of a waiting list comparison condition (n = 17). RESULTS: Attrition rates were similar to what's been found in comparable studies, with most dropouts happening at the beginning of the treatment. Results showed improvements in binge eating severity (d = 0.80) and depression (d = 0.82) compared to no treatment condition. After the intervention, adaptive eating and distress outcomes showed an improvement trend, reaching nonclinical levels for most participants in the intervention group. Large to moderate between-group effect sizes were observed, but none of those were statistically significant. Large within-group effect sizes were observed in the intervention group in binge eating severity (d = 1.34), intuitive eating (d = 1.33) and depression (d = 1.12). Medium effect sizes were observed in emotional eating (d = 0.73) and in emotion regulation (d = 0.72). Despite positive outcomes in other variables, mindful eating worsened after the intervention (d = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: These results are preliminary and require further replications with larger samples, yet they suggest that the intervention may be useful to improve distress outcomes and adaptive eating among obese people. Implications for clinical practice and recommendations for future research are discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Problematic and adaptive eating in people with obesity after a DBT-based skills training intervention: 3- and 8-month follow-up and mediation analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dialectical behavior therapy conceptualizes problematic behaviors as attempts to regulate emotions that occur when the individual lacks effective skills with which to manage his or her emotions and cope with distress. Problematic eating behaviors, e.g., binge and emotional eating, may serve to alleviate aversive emotional states, being highly associated with overweight and obesity. Dialectical behavior therapy skills training has been proven effective in reducing binge eating in several clinical studies. However, few studies reveal the effects of DBT on adaptive eating behaviors or the stability of outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test the effect of a brief DBT-based skills training intervention, and the stability of outcomes at 3- and 8-month follow-ups. METHODS: Self-report measures of binge eating, emotional eating, intuitive eating, and mindful eating were taken on 5 timepoints before and after a 10-session DBT skills training intervention (2 baseline measures, 1 post-test, and 2 follow-ups). Data were analyzed using a mixed-model intention-to-treat approach and mediation analysis was conducted with path analysis. RESULTS: After the intervention, intuitive eating and mindful eating scores were significantly higher than before the intervention, while emotional eating and binge eating scores were lower. The results remained stable during the follow-up period, with minor fluctuations and small trends towards returning to baseline values for binge eating and emotional eating. Mindful eating partially mediated the improvements in all outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Given that results are entirely based on self-report measures and that some instruments showed poor reliability, in addition to the high attrition rates, the results should be interpreted as preliminary. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence that a brief DBT intervention is effective not only in reducing problematic eating but also in increasing adaptive eating, achieving reasonably stable results. Also, the mediation analysis results support the hypothesis that mindful eating partially explains the effects of the intervention on binge and emotional eating. Future research should address the limitations of this study by investigating a more diverse sample, triangulating different measurement strategies, and including other putative mediators.

Problematic and adaptive eating in people with obesity after a DBT-based skills training intervention: 3- and 8-month follow-up and mediation analysis

Abstract Background: Dialectical behavior therapy conceptualizes problematic behaviors as attempts to regulate emotions that occur when the individual lacks effective skills with which to manage his or her emotions and cope with distress. Problematic eating behaviors, e.g., binge and emotional eating, may serve to alleviate aversive emotional states, being highly associated with overweight and obesity. Dialectical behavior therapy skills training has been proven effective in reducing binge eating in several clinical studies. However, few studies reveal the effects of DBT on adaptive eating behaviors or the stability of outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to test the effect of a brief DBT-based skills training intervention, and the stability of outcomes at 3- and 8-month follow-ups. Methods: Self-report measures of binge eating, emotional eating, intuitive eating, and mindful eating were taken on 5 timepoints before and after a 10-session DBT skills training intervention (2 baseline measures, 1 post-test, and 2 follow-ups). Data were analyzed using a mixed-model intention-to-treat approach and mediation analysis was conducted with path analysis. Results: After the intervention, intuitive eating and mindful eating scores were significantly higher than before the intervention, while emotional eating and binge eating scores were lower. The results remained stable during the follow-up period, with minor fluctuations and small trends towards returning to baseline values for binge eating and emotional eating. Mindful eating partially mediated the improvements in all outcomes. Limitations: Given that results are entirely based on self-report measures and that some instruments showed poor reliability, in addition to the high attrition rates, the results should be interpreted as preliminary. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that a brief DBT intervention is effective not only in reducing problematic eating but also in increasing adaptive eating, achieving reasonably stable results. Also, the mediation analysis results support the hypothesis that mindful eating partially explains the effects of the intervention on binge and emotional eating. Future research should address the limitations of this study by investigating a more diverse sample, triangulating different measurement strategies, and including other putative mediators.

Efectividad de la terapia conductual dialéctica en pacientes con trastorno de personalidad limítrofe en Santiago de Chile / Dialectical behavior therapy effectiveness for borderline disorder personality in Santiago de Chile

Resumen Más de la mitad de los pacientes con trastorno de personalidad limítrofe (TPL) han realizado al menos un intento suicida durante su vida y el 70% ha tenido al menos una hospitalización psiquiátrica. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar la efectividad de la Terapia Conductual Dialéctica (TCD) en pacientes con trastorno de personalidad limítrofe. Método: A través de un diseño observacional retrospectivo se evaluó el número de intentos suicidas, el número de hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas y el impacto clínico previo al tratamiento con TCD y posterior a éste. Se analizó la información disponible de 144 pacientes de la Unidad de Terapia Conductual Dialéctica del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital del Salvador, de Santiago de Chile, entre los años 2006-2012. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de registros electrónicos, análisis de ficha clínica, mediante el cuestionario OQ-45.2 y contacto telefónico. Resultados: En cuanto a los resultados, a través del método estadístico de Wilcoxon, se demostró una diferencia significativa (p = 0,000) en el número de hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas pre y post tratamiento, una disminución (p = 0,000) del número de intentos suicidas posterior al tratamiento y mejoría en los puntajes del cuestionario OQ-45.2. Conclusión: La TCD fue efectiva en disminuir las 3 variables estudiadas en la población escogida.

More than half of patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder have made at least one suicide attempt during their lifetime and 70% have been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in patients with borderline personality disorder. Methods: Using a retrospective observational design, the number of suicide attempt and psychiatric hospitalizations was measured pre and post DBT treatment. Data from 144 patients from Dialectical Behavior Therapy Unit at Hospital Salvador in Santiago de Chile was analyzed during 2006 and 2012. The data were gathered from electronic files of clinical records, a OQ-45.2 questionnaire and telephone calls. Results: The Wilcoxon statistical test showed a significant difference (p = 0.000) in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations pre and post-treatment, as well as a reduction (p = 0.000) in the number of post-treatment suicide attempt. Conclusion: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy was effective in the 3 studied events in the selected population.

Relação terapêutica com pacientes borderlines na terapia comportamental dialética / Therapeutic relationship with borderline patients in dialectical behavior therapy / Relación terapéutica con pacientes borderline en la terapia dialéctica conductual

A relação terapêutica tem sido destacada como um dos principais fatores relativos a regulação emocional em pacientes com Transtorno da Personalidade Borderline (TPB). A Terapia Comportamental Dialética (TCD) coloca a relação terapêutica como um de seus pilares terapêuticos devido ao uso da relação como forma de persuasão e modificação de comportamentos desadaptadivos. Diversos estudos têm indicado que esta tem sido uma abordagem eficaz no tratamento do TPB e atualmente é o tratamento de primeira linha de escolha. Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar a relação terapêutica com pacientes borderlines na TCD por meio de uma revisão de literatura. Foram observados fatores essenciais da relação terapêutica como a empatia, proteção, cuidado, flexibilidade, versatilidade, congruência e compromisso. Embora esses fatores devam estar presentes em toda relação terapêutica, no TPB requerem atenção especial. A TCD demonstra articular os fatores da relação terapêutica de modo a contribuir para um maior engajamento do paciente no tratamento

The therapeutic relationship has been highlighted as one of the main factors related to emotional regulation in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sets the therapeutic relationship as one of its therapeutic pillars due to the use of the relationship as a means of persuasion and change maladaptive behavior. Several studies have indicated that this has been an effective approach in the treatment of BPD and is currently the first-line treatment of choice. This study aims to explore the therapeutic relationship with borderline patients in TCD through a literature reviewed. Observing essential factors of the therapeutic relationship such as empathy, protection, care, flexibility, versatility, consistency and commitment. While these factors must be present in every therapeutic relationship, the TPB require special attention. The TCD demonstrates articulate the factors of the therapeutic relationship in order to contribute to greater patient engagement in treatment

La relación terapéutica se ha destacado como uno de los principales factores relacionados con la regulación emocional en los pacientes con trastorno de personalidad borderline (TPB). La terapia dialéctica conductual (TDC) pone la relación terapéutica como uno de sus pilares terapéuticos debido a la utilización de la relación como medio de persuasión y modificación de comportamientos inadaptados. Varios estudios han indicado que éste ha sido un enfoque eficaz en el tratamiento del TPB y actualmente es el tratamiento de primera línea de elección. Este estudio tiene como objetivo explorar la relación terapéutica con los pacientes borderline na TDC a través de una revisión de la literatura. Se observaron factores esenciales de la relación terapéutica como la empatía, la protección, el cuidado, la flexibilidad, versatilidad, congruencia y compromiso. Si bien estos factores deben estar presentes en toda relación terapéutica, en el TPB requiere una atención especial. La TDC demuestra articular los factores de la relación terapéutica con el fin de contribuir a una mayor participación del paciente en el tratamiento

Terapia comportamental dialética: um protocolo comportamental ou cognitivo? / Dialectical behavior therapy: a behavioral or cognitive protocol?

A terapia comportamental dialética (DBT) é um protocolo clínico inicialmente desenvolvido para o tratamento de comportamentos suicidas e parassuicidas, e posteriormente estendido para algumas psicopatologias, como o transtorno da personalidade borderline. O tratamento envolve a aprendizagem de comportamentos pré-requisitos, divididos nos estágios (1) “alcançando as habilidades básicas”, (2) “redução do estresse pós-traumático” e (3) “resolvendo problemas de vida e aumentando o respeito próprio”. O presente artigo analisa se, e em que medida, a DBT preenche os critérios filosófico-aplicados de inclusão nas terapias baseadas na análise do comportamento. Para isso analisou sua concepção filosófica de base, bem como as estratégias de avaliação e intervenção. Argumentou-se que o embasamento filosófico adotado se aproxima do behaviorismo, devido a sua definição de comportamento, concepção de causas e de seleção. Foram identificadas também estratégias de avaliação e intervenção, com foco na aceitação e na mudança, baseadas em análises funcionais, no reforçamento e na modelagem para a aprendizagem de novas habilidades...

The dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a clinical protocol originally developed for the treatment of suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors, and later extended to psychopathology as the borderline personality disorder. Treatment involves learning prerequisites behaviors, divided in stages (1) “attaining basic capacities” (2) “reducing postttraumatic stress” and (3) “increasing self-respect and achieving individual goals”. This article examines whether and how DBT meet the philosophical and applied criteria for inclusion in therapies based on behavior analysis. We revised philosophical conception basis as well as the assessment and intervention strategies. It is argued that the philosophical foundation approaches behaviorism, due to its behavior definition, conceptions of causes and selection. We also identified assessment and intervention strategies, focusing on acceptance and change, based on functional analysis, reinforcement and shaping for learning new skills...

Terapia comportamental dialética: um protocolo comportamental ou cognitivo? / Dialectical behavior therapy: a behavioral or cognitive protocol?

A terapia comportamental dialética (DBT) é um protocolo clínico inicialmente desenvolvido para o tratamento de comportamentos suicidas e parassuicidas, e posteriormente estendido para algumas psicopatologias, como o transtorno da personalidade borderline. O tratamento envolve a aprendizagem de comportamentos pré-requisitos, divididos nos estágios (1) “alcançando as habilidades básicas”, (2) “redução do estresse pós-traumático” e (3) “resolvendo problemas de vida e aumentando o respeito próprio”. O presente artigo analisa se, e em que medida, a DBT preenche os critérios filosófico-aplicados de inclusão nas terapias baseadas na análise do comportamento. Para isso analisou sua concepção filosófica de base, bem como as estratégias de avaliação e intervenção. Argumentou-se que o embasamento filosófico adotado se aproxima do behaviorismo, devido a sua definição de comportamento, concepção de causas e de seleção. Foram identificadas também estratégias de avaliação e intervenção, com foco na aceitação e na mudança, baseadas em análises funcionais, no reforçamento e na modelagem para a aprendizagem de novas habilidades. (AU)

The dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a clinical protocol originally developed for the treatment of suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors, and later extended to psychopathology as the borderline personality disorder. Treatment involves learning prerequisites behaviors, divided in stages (1) “attaining basic capacities” (2) “reducing postttraumatic stress” and (3) “increasing self-respect and achieving individual goals”. This article examines whether and how DBT meet the philosophical and applied criteria for inclusion in therapies based on behavior analysis. We revised philosophical conception basis as well as the assessment and intervention strategies. It is argued that the philosophical foundation approaches behaviorism, due to its behavior definition, conceptions of causes and selection. We also identified assessment and intervention strategies, focusing on acceptance and change, based on functional analysis, reinforcement and shaping for learning new skills. (AU)

Teoria e eficácia da terapia comportamental dialética na bulimia nervosa e no transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica / Theory and efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

OBJETIVOS: Procura-se analisar as atuais evidências empíricas e teóricas sobre o modo de operar nas intervenções comportamentais dialéticas. Procedeu-se igualmente à análise da eficácia dessa terapia no tratamento da bulimia nervosa e no transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica. MÉTODO: Realizou-se uma revisão agregativa da literatura, recorrendo às palavras-chave "dialectical behavior therapy", "bulimia nervosa" e "binge eating disorder" nas bases de dados PsycInfo e MedLine e em livros da especialidade, sob o critério da atualidade e premência das publicações levantadas. RESULTADOS: A terapia comportamental dialética, inicialmente desenhada para o transtorno de personalidade borderline, tem-se estendido a outros transtornos do eixo I. Sua aplicação às perturbações alimentares sustentase num paradigma dialético com o recurso das estratégias comportamentais e cognitivas. Esse modelo permite aos pacientes uma regulação mais efetiva dos estados afetivos negativos, reduzindo a probabilidade da ocorrência de comportamentos bulímicos e de compulsão alimentar periódica. CONCLUSÃO: Embora escasseiem estudos sobre a sua eficácia, os resultados existentes parecem comprovar a eficácia da terapia comportamental dialética nas populações descritas.

OBJECTIVES: Current theoretical and empirical evidences on how to operate in dialectical behavioral interventions were examined. The effectiveness of these interventions in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder were analyzed too. METHOD: An aggregative literature review was made, using the keywords "dialectical behavior therapy", "bulimia nervosa" and "binge eating disorder", from the database PsycInfo and MedLine and from reference books, selecting the most representative and recent scientific texts about this psychotherapy model. RESULTS: Dialectical behavior therapy, initially designed for borderline personality disorder, has been extended to other disorders of Axis I. Its application to eating disorders is sustained in a dialectic paradigm, using also behavioral and cognitive strategies. This model allows to patients a more effective regulation of negative emotional states, reducing the likelihood of occurrence of bulimic and binge behaviors. CONCLUSION: Despite the few studies published about his efficacy, the existing results seem to show dialectical behavior therapy effectiveness with populations described.

Terapia conductual dialéctica / Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Introducción: Un importante aporte de la terapia cognoscitivo-comportamental al área clínica es la terapia conductual dialéctica (TCD), desarrollada a finales de los años noventa por la psiquiatra Marsha Linehan, como respuesta a las dificultades en el tratamiento del trastorno de personalidad limítrofe (TPL). Se destaca su carácter integrador, pues se basa en principios conductuales y cognoscitivos e incorpora elementos del zen. Es un tratamiento desarrollado y evaluado con mujeres que no sólo presentaban TPL, sino que, además, tenían historias de intentos de suicidio. La TCD resulta muy útil en el tratamiento de depresión, ansiedad, trastornos del control de los impulsos, ira e impulsividad. Objetivo: Presentar el origen y el desarrollo de la TCD. Desarrollo: La TCD usa técnicas que se centran en el cambio conductual, con estrategias de aceptación o de validación, subrayando que la aceptación no excluye el cambio (componente dialéctico). Estas tres estrategias (cambio, aceptación y comprensión dialéctica) y las teorías en las cuales se basan son los pilares de la TCD. Se describen las estrategias de intervención (nucleares, dialécticas, estilísticas y de dirección de caso), en las cuatro modalidades de tratamiento: terapia individual, contacto telefónico, entrenamiento grupal en habilidades y consulta del terapeuta; así como los estadios del tratamiento y las metas de cada uno de ellos. Finalmente, se revisa la evidencia empírica de este abordaje clínico.

Introduction: One of the most interesting developments of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the clinical area is the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Marsha Linehan (M.D. Psychiatrist) was looking for answers in the treatment of borderline personality disorders (BPD), and ended up designing a treatment program for this condition. It has an integral approach that uses behavioral and cognitive principles, adding oriental Zen elements. It is therefore a Cognitive Behavioral treatment developed and evaluated in women suffering from BPD and with a history of non-fatal suicide attempts. It is a very useful in the treatment of other pathologies, such as anxiety, depression and impulse control disorder, as well as in the management of behavioral diffi culties such as rage and impulsivity. Objective: To present the origin and development of DBT. Development: DBT uses techniques focused on behavioral change, with strategies of acceptance o validation of the actual behavior. This last component is the dialectical one implying that validation and acceptance do NOT excludes change. DBT has four different intervention strategies: nuclear, dialectical, stylistic and case direction. And four intervention modalities: individual therapy, telephone calls, ability group training and case consultation, organized in stages with specifi c treatment goals. Empirical evidence for this clinical approach is revised.