Functions of DBT in Borderline Personality Disorder
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a psychotherapy treatment for multiproblematic patients suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD), including associated Axis I and II disorders. The approach relies on cognitive behavioral theory and involves weekly individual therapy sessions, skill-focused group meetings, as well as therapist consultation team meetings.
DBT has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for suicidal behaviors among those suffering from BPD, as well as other mental illnesses. Not only that, but DBT also improves quality of life for patients’ family members and other key supporters.
DBT offers a range of abilities that can be applied in many different contexts, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. These can all be beneficial in one’s everyday life.
Mindfulness in particular encourages a person to be present with the moment and notice how quickly emotions change. Distress tolerance teaches people how to tolerate intense feelings without acting out, while emotion regulation skills equip them with strategies for managing negative emotional states that make difficult circumstances worse.
In the DBT model, therapist and patient collaborate to address apparent conflicts between acceptance of self, thoughts, and feelings and the desire for change. DBT therapists often offer validation which can make patients feel more supported when trying to alter behaviors or mental health problems.
One of DBT’s key capabilities is its capacity to enhance efficiency and quality of clinical care while decreasing costs associated with patient treatment. This can be accomplished through techniques like email communication or videoconferencing between therapists and patients, cutting down on waiting times for appointments as well as cutting down travel time between sessions. The overall aim is to reduce treatment times as well as save patients money on transportation between therapies.
DBT also plays an essential role in supporting and motivating therapists treating BPD. This is done through various forms of support, training and skill building sessions, feedback from colleagues and encouragement from peers. This becomes especially crucial when treating multiproblematic patients who display a range of behaviors that put a strain on therapist resources, competencies and resolution abilities.
This can be accomplished through various strategies, such as offering training and skills-building opportunities; (2) developing supportive relationships between therapists; and (3) encouraging participation in a community DBT therapy group. The purpose is to reduce therapist burnout and promote continued professional development so that therapists are continually honing their craft while increasing effectiveness when working with patients who may have multiple complex psychiatric conditions.
The DBT model can be particularly beneficial in addressing several challenges faced in mental health care, such as: the need for more cost-effective and briefer treatment interventions that are accessible to a wider range of patients; and cultural barriers that prevent people from implementing or using treatment approaches. This is especially true for those living in remote areas with limited access to qualified mental health professionals or who have difficulty affording expensive treatments.
