An open access journal
The Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has emerged as a leading treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in adolescents, offering comprehensive skills training and emotion regulation techniques. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of DBT in reducing BPD symptoms and improving overall functioning in adolescents. Through a thorough review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of DBT compared to control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual, active control interventions) in targeting core symptoms of BPD, including emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, impulsivity, and self-harm behaviors. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, intensity of therapy, therapist adherence, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of DBT for BPD in adolescents.
Share and Cite
Article Metrics
References
- Rathus, J. H., & Miller, A. L. (2015). Dialectical behavior therapy with suicidal adolescents. Guilford Press.
- Miller, A. L., et al. (2007). Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with bipolar disorder: A 1-year open trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7), 820-830.
- Mehlum, L., et al. (2014). Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with repeated suicidal and self-harming behavior: A randomized trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 53(10), 1082-1091.
- Linehan, M. M., et al. (2006). Two-year randomized controlled trial and follow-up of dialectical behavior therapy vs therapy by experts for suicidal behaviors and borderline personality disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(7), 757-766.
- Fleischhaker, C., et al. (2011). Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A): A clinical trial for patients with suicidal and self-injurious behavior and borderline symptoms with a one-year follow-up. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 5(3), 1-9.
- McCann, R. A., et al. (2004). A randomized trial of dialectical behavior therapy versus general psychiatric management for borderline personality disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(10), 1-8.