Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

Overseen By Riad El-karout

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Windsor

Disqualifiers: Suicidal ideation, Recent hospitalization, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 8 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new online version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to determine its suitability for individuals with mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety. DBT helps people manage emotions and behaviors. The trial aims to assess whether this online course is user-friendly and effective in improving well-being. It targets residents of Ontario who experience mild depression or anxiety and are not currently in therapy. Participants will engage in an 8-week self-guided online course and provide feedback through follow-up assessments. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of accessible mental health resources.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It mainly focuses on not receiving other psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions.

What prior data suggests that this internet-delivered dialectical behavior therapy is safe for depression and anxiety?

Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is generally safe and well-tolerated. In one study, 92% of patients who received DBT-based education experienced only mild or minimal depression after 12 weeks, indicating a positive response to the therapy. Various studies have also proven DBT effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although less research exists on online formats like iDBT, early results suggest suitability for many people. For instance, one study found that 50% of participants remained engaged after four weeks and showed improvements in depression and anxiety. Overall, these findings suggest that DBT, including online versions, is safe for most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the internet-delivered, self-guided dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for depression and anxiety because it offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional in-person therapy sessions. Unlike standard treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, this approach allows individuals to engage with therapeutic content at their own pace and convenience, potentially reaching those who have barriers to attending regular therapy. This method also empowers users by giving them more control over their treatment process, which can lead to improved engagement and outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this internet-delivered dialectical behavior therapy is effective for depression and anxiety?

Research has shown that internet-delivered dialectical behavior therapy (iDBT), which participants in this trial will receive, could help treat depression and anxiety. One study found that it significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved coping skills. Another study found that iDBT is reliable and well-received, with many participants starting the program. Although fewer studies exist on digital formats, early results are promising. Overall, iDBT could be an effective and accessible option for people with mild-to-moderate mental health issues. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults in Ontario who speak English, have mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety symptoms, can consent autonomously, and have internet access. It's not open to those already receiving psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions.

Inclusion Criteria

I live in Ontario.

I am fluent in English.

I have access to the internet.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (phone screen)

Baseline

Participants complete consent, a brief interview, questionnaires, and register for the e-learning skills course

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants engage in an 8-week self-guided e-learning DBT skills course

8 weeks

Self-guided, online

Follow-up

Participants complete follow-up assessments to monitor safety and effectiveness

4 weeks

2 assessments (virtual) at 4 and 8 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests an online e-learning course based on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills over 8 weeks. The goal is to see if it's feasible and acceptable for people with depression and anxiety disorders, and if it could be effective.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Internet-delivered, self-guided dialectical behavior therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Treatment arm

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Windsor

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14

Recruited

7,400+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38227362/

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Potential Efficacy of a Self ... Results: iDBT was perceived as a credible and acceptable treatment. In terms of feasibility, 94% (68/72) of the participants started iDBT, 13% ( ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10690726/

Effectiveness of internet-delivered dialectical behavior ... The results of this study not only showed a significant reduction in depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts but also an increase in adaptive coping skills ...

3. mental.jmir.org mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e50399/PDF

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Potential Efficacy of a Self- ... DBT was first developed and found to be effective for severe clinical presentations related to suicidal behavior, nonsuicidal self-injury, and ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2368795924000052

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Potential Efficacy of a Self ... Self-guided, internet-delivered dialectical behavioral therapy (iDBT) allows for expanded availability, but few studies have rigorously evaluated it in ...

5. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-025-06757-9

Comparative effectiveness and acceptability of internet-based ... Numerous investigations have been dedicated to evaluating the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in addressing ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11084774/

Effect of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Negative Affect ... Several studies suggest that DBT yields significant reductions in both state and trait anxiety [36,37,38]. Additionally, research indicates that ...

7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525629/

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Mental Illness Van Dijk reported that after 12 weeks of therapy, 92% of patients who underwent DBT-based psychoeducation had minimal or mild depression ...

8. paloaltou.edu paloaltou.edu/resources/business-of-practice-blog/pros-and-cons-of-dbt

Pros and Cons of DBT | CONCEPT Professional Training - DBT is evidence-based. It goes beyond mental health illness and improves individuals' quality of life. It reduces anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress ...

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796723001560

Investigating the efficacy of a Dialectical behaviour therapy ... The largest deteriorations were observed for depressive (d = −0.22; 95% CI = −0.35, −0.08) and anxiety symptoms (d = −0.28; 95%CI - = −0.41, −0.14). Applying ...

10. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0303967

Dialectical Behavior Therapy as an intervention for Treatment ... This study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of Dialectical Behavior Therapy as an intervention for Treatment Resistant Depression in adults.