Dialectic Behaviour Therapy: A 12-Month Collaborative Program in a Local Community Setting

Abstract

This study focuses on examining the efficacy of dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) on female clients who meet the criteria of borderline personality disorder (BPD) within a community setting. A clinical sample of 11 women with BPD was provided with a 6-month DBT program that was collaboratively developed and delivered by Logan Women's Health service and Logan Central Adult Mental Health. Results indicate that DBT is an effective treatment for parasuicidal behaviour and decreased the frequency of medically severe suicide attempts. In addition, the duration of telephone contact, face-to-face contact and number and duration of hospital admissions decreased during the DBT program. The participants' psychological, social and occupational functioning improved. Of significance, depression levels also decreased on completion of the program. Future studies would benefit from a larger sample and a control group. This study demonstrates that DBT is an effective treatment for BPD clients within an Australian community setting and has many clinical benefits.