Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Paper Summary:

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."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alper,G., Peterson, S. (2001). Dialectical behavior therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 39(10), 38-45.
• Bohs, M., Haaf, B., Stigmayr, C., Pohl, U., Bohmen, R., Linehan, M. (2000). Evaluation of inpatient dialectical-behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder - a prospective study. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38(9), 875-87.
• Bohus, M., Haaf, B., Simms, T., Limberger, M., Schmahl, C., Unckel, C., Lieb, K., Linehan, M. (2004). Effectivenss of inpatient dialectical behavioural therapy for borderline personality disorder: a controlled trial. Behavior Research and Therapy,42(5), 487-99.
• Brassington, J., Krawitz, R. (2006). Australasian dialectical behaviour therapy pilot outcome study: effectiveness, utility, and feasibility. Australasian Psychiatry, 14(3), 313-9.
• Brazier, J., Tumur, I., Holmes, M., Ferriter, M., Parry, G., Dent-Brown, K., Paisley, S. (2006). Psychological therapies including dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder: a systematic review and preliminary economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment, 35, 1-117.

More papers on Dialectical Behavior Therapy:

• Analytical Essay # 126857 : "Dialectical Behavior Therapy"
• Research Paper # 7277 : "The Effect of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder"
• Term Paper # 95175 : "Gestalt Therapy and Behavior Therapy"

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