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The Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been established as a leading intervention for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), emphasizing a dialectical approach that combines acceptance and change strategies to address emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of DBT in reducing BPD symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with BPD. Through an extensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of DBT compared to control conditions (e.g., treatment as usual, other psychotherapies) in targeting symptoms of BPD, including affective instability, impulsivity, self-harm behaviors, and interpersonal problems. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of DBT for BPD.
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References
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