Advancements in DBT Research in 2015
Introduction
2015 was a significant year for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) research. Numerous studies were conducted to explore the effectiveness of DBT in various populations and settings. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the key findings and advancements in DBT research during that year.
Research Study 1: Effectiveness of DBT in Treating Borderline Personality Disorder
In a randomized controlled trial conducted by Linehan et al. (2015), it was found that DBT significantly reduced self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation in individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. The study also highlighted the importance of skills training and individual therapy components of DBT in achieving positive outcomes.
Research Study 2: DBT for Substance Use Disorders
A study by Harned et al. (2015) investigated the efficacy of DBT in treating individuals with co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders. The findings showed that DBT reduced substance use and improved emotion regulation skills among participants, suggesting the potential of DBT as an effective treatment for this population.
Research Study 3: DBT in Schools
DBT was also explored as an intervention in educational settings. A study by Scharf et al. (2015) examined the effectiveness of a modified DBT program in reducing emotional and behavioral difficulties among adolescents in a school setting. The results indicated significant improvements in emotional regulation and social functioning, highlighting the potential of DBT as a preventive measure for mental health issues among students.
Research Study 4: DBT for Eating Disorders
DBT has shown promise in the treatment of eating disorders. A study by Chen et al. (2015) focused on the effectiveness of DBT in reducing binge eating behaviors and improving overall eating disorder symptoms. The findings suggested that DBT can be an effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with eating disorders, particularly those with high emotion dysregulation.
Conclusion
Overall, the research conducted in 2015 provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of DBT in various populations and settings. The studies highlighted the positive outcomes of DBT in treating Borderline Personality Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, and eating disorders. Additionally, DBT was found to be beneficial in school settings, emphasizing its potential as a preventive measure for mental health issues among adolescents. These advancements in DBT research contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.
The Australian DBT Institute, established in 2004, provides a range of professional development opportunities for Mental Health Professionals seeking to become proficient in dialectical behaviour therapy-informed approaches. Our team is led by experienced DBT clinicians who have received training, mentoring, and development from Marsha Linehan’s team at Behavioral Tech LLC (2004-8). The Australian DBT Institute has led high-fidelity DBT programs since 2004 through the Essentia Health Clinics in Melbourne, Sydney and Online. Our clinical programs have included comprehensive DBT and modified DBT programs for specific populations including youth, carers, Indigenous Australians, correctional settings and psychiatric emergency settings.