A pilot study to explore the adaptation of a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy pathway for use with adults with intellectual disabilities within a community service

Abstract

There is a lack of evidence to support the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in the community with no history of forensic involvement. This study evaluates a DBT pilot programme for those with ID within a community setting. Four participants took part over a period of six months. The research focuses on ways in which a DBT programme can be adapted for this population and discusses the suitability of outcome measures used to evaluate the intervention (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for People with Learning Disabilities). All four participants completed the pilot programme. Results were not found to be significant. However, there is evidence of small improvement on the HoNOS-LD measure. The findings support the need for larger scale studies and outcome measures appropriate for use for those with ID.