Abstract This paper is an examination of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), an approach to the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) developed by Marsha M. Linehan. The paper shows that BPD is a relatively prevalent psychological disorder that does not respond well to typical therapies. DBT is the only therapeutic approach which has been shown to be effective in lessening the borderline tendency toward suicide and parasuicide. The paper explains that it has also been proven to be useful in keeping sufferers in therapy long enough to begin to treat some of the impulsivity, identity disturbance, intense anger, and other characteristics of this complex disorder. It shows that Linehan's approach is based on her theories regarding the conditions likely to produce BPD and relies largely on a systematic attempt to retrain patients who have previously been unable to deal effectively or realistically with their own emotions.
From the Paper "DBT rests on eight basic assumptions (Linehan, 1993, pp. 106-108). The first is that patients are doing the best they can, the best they know how. The second is that they want to improve. The third is that they need to do better, try harder, and become more motivated to change. The fourth and fifth are that patients may not have caused all their own problems or be responsible for their situation, but, nevertheless, they have responsibility for solving them, as their lives are currently unbearable. The sixth and seventh assumptions are that patients must learn new behaviors and how to apply them, and that they cannot fail in therapy."
Tags: therapeutic, pharmacotherapy, Pamona, Assessment, Center
Abstract This paper discusses borderline personality disorder (BPD), a complex and severe psychopathology that is characterized by the presence of certain instabilities. According to the paper, the most commonly practiced interventions for the treatment of BPD are psychodynamic programs and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The paper goes on to review DBT, which is based on dialectical philosophy and a biosocial theory of BPD.
Outline:
Mechanisms of Change in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Research Supporting DBT The Effectiveness of DBT in Males Versus Females
DBT Intervention Development
From the Paper "The benefits of DBT experienced by individuals with BPD may be enhanced through accompanied administration of psychopharmaceutical medication. Soler et al. (2005) examined the combined effects that DBT and olanzapine have on psychiatric symptoms experienced by individuals with BPD. Results of the study showed that this combined treatment was associated with significant improvements in anxiety, depression and aggressive/impulsive behavior in comparison to a placebo group. The researchers suggested that this combination therapy of DBT and olanzapine acts to lower attrition rates and is an overall effective treatment for BPD (Soler et al., 2005). Other pharmaceuticals may not prove to be so beneficial. A study by Simpson et al. (2004) demonstrated that the addition of fluoxetine to an already effective DBT treatment program is not additionally beneficial."
Abstract The basis of this study looks at the effects of a therapy derived from eastern Zen practices and western psychodynamic theory, known as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, on the treatment of patients afflicted with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT is a treatment paradigm created by Marsha M. Linehan of Washington University, and is the first and only treatment paradigm to be tested in clinical settings. The importance of DBT stems from the belief that BPD is the most treatment-resistant of all mental disorders outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual: Vol. IV. The study tests the hypothesis that DBT will effectively reduce targeted behaviors of BPD as compared to treatment as usual (TAU) groups, and suggests that because of the structured nature of DBT, it is the most effective of all present treatments of BPD.
From the Paper "Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the application of a broad array of cognitive and behavior therapy strategies to the problems of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), including suicidal behaviors (Heard & Linehan 1994). DBT also has a number of distinctive defining characteristics. As its name suggests, its overriding characteristic is an emphasis on "dialectics" - that is, the reconciliation of opposites in a continual process of synthesis. The most fundamental dialectic is the necessity of accepting patients just as they are within a context of trying to teach them to change. This emphasis on acceptance as a balance to change flows directly from the integration of Eastern Zen practice with Western psychodynamic theory (Linehan 1993a)."
Abstract This paper explores the various definitions and symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, a brief review of current literature and definitions of this psychiatric condition are examined. In particular, dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is considered as a possible treatment for this disorder.
Table of Contents
Section one: Overview of Borderline personality Disorder
1 Definitions and Historical Foundations
1.2 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
1.3. Etiology
1.3.1. DBT 1.3.2. Genetics
1.3.3. Environmental Conditions
1.3.4. Neurological Issues
2. Diagnoses and Related Issues
2.1. Comorbidity
Treatment
3.1. Treatment Overview
3.2. Psycho Pharmacological Approaches
3.3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
3.3.1. Empirical Support
3.3.2. Theoretical Aspects of DBT 3.3.3. The Dialectical Model
3.3.4. Etiology
3.3.5. Praxis
From the Paper "Lineham pioneered this treatment of BPD in 1991. Her ideas were based on the concept and praxis that psychological treatment was just as important in dealing with Borderline patients as was the more traditional psycho? and pharmacotherapy. Lineham also emphasized a hierarchical structure in treatment goals. This structure began with the reduction of parasuicidal and life - threatening behaviors. This was followed by a reduction of behaviors which may interfere in the therapy process. Thirdly, reducing behaviors were introduced that improved the individual's quality of life. Lineman published results of her work which attested to the practical success of her work and approach. The difference of DBT to other approaches in therapy for BPD is that is combines a dialectical perspective with cognitive- behavioral therapy. This has resulted in a particular procedure of interventions which has been shown to produce positive results in the reduction of the symptoms of BPD. "
Abstract The paper discusses various treatments available for the borderline personality disorder. The paper looks at transference focused therapy (TFP), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). The paper emphasizes that, as with other disorders, treatment effectiveness can vary from one patient to another. The paper relates that further research is being conducted on BPD by the National Institute of Mental Health and other researching bodies.
From the Paper "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision [DSM-IV-TR] (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000) defines borderline personality disorder (BPD), an Axis II personality disorder, as "a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, affects, and marked impulsivity" (p. 686). To meet the DSM-IV-TR's diagnostic criteria for BPD one must present by early adulthood, with five of the eight behaviors associated with borderline, which may include, but are not limited to: a pattern of unstable relationships, irrational fear of abandonment, suicidality, self-mutilation, identity disturbance, self-damaging impulsivity, poor self-concept, and a constant feeling of emptiness."
Abstract This paper presents some allegations of Carl Goldberg, some of which contradict one another, that according to him, are the reasons that psychology is in a crisis. The paper discusses Goldberg's allegations and then describes the flaws in his reasoning. The paper also touches on the ways that the disciplines of various schools of psychology are continually evolving.
From the Paper "Ideally, psychology uses both tools of rehabilitation to treat the human mind and body. For example, increasingly, neither pills nor therapy alone seems to provide a full solution for many mental problems. Take manic depression, which was once thought to demand a fairly straightforward prescription for lithium, or a new variation of the drug. Now, therapists find "drugs are not effective enough ...psychotherapy can help patients learn new coping styles and interpersonal habits," to contain their symptoms in combination with drug treatment (Marano, 2002). This relates Goldberg's rather sweeping claim to a specific instance. The treatment of both the human mind and brain chemistry of someone suffering from mania is required for effective alleviation of suffering and to make the person a productive member of society once again."
