Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help adolescents aged 13-20 with borderline personality disorder symptoms. The therapy teaches them skills to manage emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships. DBT has been adapted and studied for adolescents with various psychiatric disorders, including borderline personality disorder, and has shown promise in reducing problematic behaviors.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not require you to stop taking your current medications. You only need to stop other forms of talk therapy during the program, but you can continue with medication management.
How is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) different from other treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is unique because it combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies, focusing on balancing acceptance and change. It is based on a biosocial theory that views Borderline Personality Disorder as a dysfunction of the emotion regulation system, and it has been shown to reduce suicidal behavior and improve social adjustment.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment DBT-A for Borderline Personality Disorder?
Research shows that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) significantly reduces symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and related issues like depression and disability. Studies found that DBT is effective in both inpatient and real-world settings, with improvements maintained over time.36789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adolescents aged 13-20 with borderline personality disorder, showing impulsive behavior or self-harm. They must live close to the clinic and have a caregiver join in treatment. Participants can't be in other talk therapies, must understand English, have an IQ above 70, and not require services for conditions like schizophrenia.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) over a six-month period, including weekly individual therapy, weekly multifamily skills group, phone coaching as needed, and therapist consultation
Mid-treatment Assessment
Participants are assessed at the three-month mark to evaluate progress and adjust treatment as necessary
Post-treatment Assessment
Participants are assessed at the end of the six-month treatment period to evaluate outcomes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness three months after treatment completion
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- DBT-A
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Lead Sponsor