Effectiveness of DBT Partial Hospitalization Program for Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Objective This study examined the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for adolescents and young adults. Method In the present study, 146 patients (mean age = 17.5) in a DBT PHP completed surveys assessing suicidality, difficulties in emotion regulation, depression, and anxiety, as well as effective coping skills on their admission and discharge from the program. Results After a 20-day course of intensive DBT programming, patients showed statistically significant decreases, associated with mostly medium and large effect sizes, in suicidal behaviors, depression, anxiety, stress, and emotion dysregulation. Patients also showed significant increases in the use of mindfulness and functional coping skills. Conclusions These results demonstrate the significant effects of intensive-level (PHP) DBT delivered over a relatively brief period to adolescents and young adults with severe difficulties. Future studies should explore DBT impact on additional treatment targets and identify the strongest predictors of improved outcomes.