Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Research Articles

Exploring Preclinical Medical Students' Experience Facilitating Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for a Student-Run Mental Health Clinic: A Qualitative Study.

This report explores the experiences of preclinical medical students who led group dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for a student-run LGBTQ + mental health clinic. In the clinic, experienced clinicians trained and supervised preclinical medical students to facilitate DBT groups. The authors conducted a qualitative study to understand the impact of the DBT groups on the student facilitators via semi-structured interviews, which were evaluated using thematic analysis. The clinic hosted nine iterations of group DBT facilitated by preclinical medical students, involving 18 student leaders and 30 patients. Twelve student facilitators were interviewed. Participants had a diverse array of specialty interests and were primarily motivated by the opportunity for early clinical experience. They reported improved clinical skills, increased appreciation of psychotherapy as a treatment modality, and increased interest in incorporating psychotherapy in their future practice. Furthermore, participants reported using DBT skills to cultivate wellbeing during clerkship year and in their personal lives. Offering preclinical medical students the opportunity to lead group DBT therapy is a novel educational model providing early training in psychotherapy techniques. This opportunity for early direct patient experience in a supervised group setting attracted medical students with a diverse range of specialty interests. This model provided medical students specific DBT skills to implement in future patient care interactions and to maintain their personal wellbeing throughout medical training. The broad appeal and lasting effects of this program may prove beneficial at other institutions.

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Mentalization-Based Therapy And Dialectical Behavior Therapy In An Adult Population With Cluster B Personality Disorders To Reduce Hospital Service Use

IntroductionMentalization-based therapy (MBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two treatments known to be effective for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, head-to-head comparisons between those two treatments are scarce and their effectiveness in naturalistic clinical services, where BPD is often comorbid with other cluster B personality disorders (PD), needs to be further explored.ObjectivesThe study’s goal was to answer the following question: Is there a difference in emergency department visits, hospitalizations and dropout rates after one year of treatment in MBT compared to DBT for a clinical adult population with cluster B PD?MethodsWe compared the effectiveness of MBT and DBT in 288 patients between 2015 and 2019 with at least one cluster B PD by measuring their emergency services use and hospitalizations one year before and one year after beginning therapy. Drop-out rates for those two treatment modalities are also compared. Image 1 illustrates the patient distribution for the study.ResultsIn terms of reducing emergency room use, patients in each treatment group experienced a significant decrease with medium effect sizes (p < .001 for both, d=.768 for MBT and d=.640 for DBT).In terms of reducing hospitalizations, the MBT group had a significant decrease (p < .05) with a medium effect size (d=.568) whereas the DBT group had a non-significant decrease (p = .595) with a negligible effect size (d=.140).When we compare both therapies, no significant differences were found between them in terms of reductions in emergency room use (p = .358) and hospitalizations (p =.195), as well as dropout rates (p = .743). Image 2 further illustrates the dropout trends in the first year of treatment for both groups in intervals of 3 months.Hospitalizations were rare in our population, which may hinder the validity of results containing this variable. In absolute numbers, total emergency room visits decreased from 119 to 37, whereas hospitalizations were reduced from 24 to 12. Drop-out rates before entering treatment were high (20.6%), as it was during treatment for both therapies (around 30% in the first year of treatment).Image:Image 2:ConclusionsThis study emphasizes that both DBT and MBT are linked to a reduction in service use over time. Dropout rates in both treatments are also similar to other studies. Therefore, future research should investigate the factors that can help clinicians guide individuals with PDs towards the type of therapy that is most suitable for them.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Effectiveness of ACT and DBT-Based Interventions with and without Exercise on Pain Outcomes and Desire for Treatment in Substance-Dependent Patients with Chronic Pain

Background: Managing chronic pain outcomes and addressing the desire for addiction treatment can be crucial for recovery from substance dependence and chronic pain. Objectives: This study aimed to control pain outcomes and enhance the desire for treatment using interventions based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and physical exercise. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test-post-test design with a two-month follow-up period and included a control group. Seventy-five voluntary patients undergoing addiction treatment in 2021 at Taban, Hayate Pak, and Omid addiction treatment centers in Zahedan with chronic pain participated. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to five groups (ACT and DBT groups with and without exercise, and a control group). Data were collected using the Pain Outcomes Questionnaire-VA (POQ-VA) (Clark, Gironda, & Young, 2003) and the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness scale (SOCRATES) (Miller & Tonigan, 1996). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (eight sessions), DBT intervention (eight sessions), and aerobic exercise (24 sessions) were conducted only for the intervention groups over two months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's post hoc test with SPSS-26 software at a significance level of 0.05 (P < 0.05). Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant changes for ACT and DBT interventions with and without exercise in the intragroup effect (time) for pain outcomes and the desire for treatment across the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up stages (P ≤ 0.001), as well as for time-group interaction (P ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, the three groups exhibited significant differences in pain outcomes and the desire for treatment across the three evaluation stages (P ≤ 0.01). Notably, compared to other interventions, ACT intervention with exercise was more effective in managing pain outcomes and enhancing the desire for treatment (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that ACT intervention with exercise, while controlling pain outcomes and increasing the desire for treatment, can contribute to successful addiction cessation and serve as an effective intervention in healthcare settings.

Remission, Recovery, Relapse, and Recurrence Rates for Suicide Attempts and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury for Suicidal Youth Treated With Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Supportive Therapy

To evaluate rates of remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence in suicidal youth who participated in a clinical trial comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Individual and Group Supportive Therapy (IGST). Participants were 173 youth, aged 12 to 18 years, with repetitive self-harm (including at least 1 prior suicide attempt [SA]) and elevated suicidal ideation (SI). Participants received 6 months of DBT or IGST and were followed for 6 months post-treatment. The sample was 95% female, 56.4% White, and 27.49% Latina. Remission was defined as absence of SA or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) across one 3-month interval; recovery was defined across 2 or more consecutive intervals. Relapse and recurrence were defined as SA or NSSI following remission or recovery. Cross-tabulation with χ2 was used for between-group contrasts. Over 70% of the sample reported remission of SA at each treatment and follow-up interval. There were significantly higher rates of remission and recovery and lower rates of relapse and recurrence for SA in DBT than for IGST. Across treatments and time points, SA had higher remission and recovery rates and lower relapse and recurrence rates than NSSI. There were no significant differences in NSSI remission between conditions; however, participants receiving DBT had significantly higher NSSI recovery rates than those receiving IGST for the 3- to 9-month, 3- to 12-month, and 6- to 12-month intervals. Results showed higher percentages of SA remission and recovery for DBT as compared to IGST. NSSI was less likely to remit than SA. This study examined rates of remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence of suicide attempts (SA) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among the participants in the CARES Study, a randomized clinical trial of 6 months of Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Individual and Group Supportive Therapy. 173 youth aged 12 to 18 years participated in the study and were followed for 6 months post treatment. Over 70% of the sample reported remission of SA at each treatment and follow-up interval. There were significantly higher rates of remission and recovery and lower rates of relapse and recurrence for SA among participants who received Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Across both treatments, remission and recovery rates were lower and relapse and recurrence rates were higher for NSSI than for SA. These results underscore the value of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as a first line treatment for youth at high risk for suicide. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. Collaborative Adolescent Research on Emotions and Suicide (CARES); https://www. gov/; NCT01528020.

An exploratory study of dialectical behaviour therapy for emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviours after acquired brain injury.

Challenging behaviours and emotional dysregulation are common sequelae of acquired brain injury (ABI), but treatment remain underdeveloped. Dialectical behaviour therapy is an evidence-based therapy for emotional dysregulation. To explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of dialectical behaviour therapy for ABI. An exploratory longitudinal study that compared thirty adults with brain injury presenting persistent emotion dysregulation or challenging behaviours. Control group received a personalized multidisciplinary program only (n = 13). The dialectical behaviour therapy group received five months of emotion regulation skills learning as an add-on (n = 17). Preliminary efficacy was measured on Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 and Quality of Life after Brain Injury total score and emotion subscore. Fourteen participants completed the dialectical behaviour therapy. This study provided preliminary evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of dialectical behaviour therapy. Repeated measures revealed improvement on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (-7.6 [-17.3; 1.7]; Pr = 0.95) and on the Quality Of Life emotion subscore (13.5 [-3.8; 30.9]; Pr = 0.94). This study raises important questions regarding the type of patients who can benefit from this intervention, necessary adaptations of dialectical behaviour therapy and the way it can help post-traumatic growth and identity reconstruction after ABI.

변증법적 행동치료 집단기술훈련이 대학운동선수의 정서조절과 대인관계 유능성에 미치는 효과

This study aims to conduct a group program that reconstructs the group skills training of dialectical behavior therapy to solve emotional dysregulation and interpersonal conflicts in college athletes and verify its effectiveness. To this end, 16 voluntary participants from among the sports journalists who are currently active as college athletes in taekwondo were wirelessly placed in an experimental group and a control group, and dialectical behavior therapy group skills training was conducted for ten sessions. The study design was operated as a quasi-experimental design of pre-post-test conduct, and the data were analyzed using a nonparametric test method. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that dialectical behavior therapy group skills training had a significant effect on improving emotional regulation and interpersonal competence.

변증법적 행동치료 집단기술훈련이 대학운동선수의 정서조절과 대인관계 유능성에 미치는 효과

This study aims to conduct a group program that reconstructs the group skills training of dialectical behavior therapy to solve emotional dysregulation and interpersonal conflicts in college athletes and verify its effectiveness. To this end, 16 voluntary participants from among the sports journalists who are currently active as college athletes in taekwondo were wirelessly placed in an experimental group and a control group, and dialectical behavior therapy group skills training was conducted for ten sessions. The study design was operated as a quasi-experimental design of pre-post-test conduct, and the data were analyzed using a nonparametric test method. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that dialectical behavior therapy group skills training had a significant effect on improving emotional regulation and interpersonal competence.

The Psychotherapy Practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Skills Training in Indonesia: An Indonesian Language Module Development

Introduction: There is an increasing number of suicides in Indonesia. A high risk of suicide is often associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). To address this issue, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been specifically designed for patients with frequent suicidal behavior and BPD. This study aims to develop DBT skills modules in Indonesian language for groups therapy and implement in clinical practice.Methods: This research was conducted in three stages. Stage 1 involved preparing the DBT skills module for 13 weeks, including the adding of TIPP (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced Breathing, Paired Muscle Relaxation) distress tolerance skills and chain analysis. Stage 2 focused on module validation using face validity and content validity assessment conducted by two psychotherapy consultants. Stage 3 involved modules trials, both of whom had completed DBT training, practicing the prepared modules with two groups of 10 patients.Result: The face validity scores from the two experts for the DBT module on BPD in Indonesian was 3.188, indicating a high level of correctness. The content validity results from the two experts for the DBT module on BPD in Indonesian language were 84.06, indicating that almost everything was done correctly. After practicing DBT group skills training, two psychotherapists achieved a very good interrater score of 0.969 (p=0.003; 95% CI 0.746-0.997).Conclusion: Based on the face validity and content validity scores by the two experts, it was concluded that the DBT module for BPD in Indonesian language is suitable for use in clinical services.

Effects of Emotional Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Psychological Distress and Cognitive-Behavioral Avoidance in Patients with Bipolar II Disorder

Background: Bipolar II disorder (BD-II) is a chronic mental illness with recurrent episodes of depression that causes emotional disorders in patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Emotional Schema Therapy (EST) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on psychological distress and cognitive-behavioral avoidance in patients with BD-II. Methods: This study was carried out using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of all patients with BD-II visiting the counseling centers in Dezful, Iran, in 2021, and the research sample included 45 eligible individuals selected using purposive sampling. The patients were randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group (n = 15 per group). The participants in the first and second intervention groups attended eleven 90-minute sessions of EST and DBT, respectively. However, those in the control group were placed on the waiting list. The research instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Cognitive-Behavioral Avoidance Scale. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test in SPSS software (version 26). Results: According to the results, there was a significant reduction in levels of psychological distress and cognitive-behavioral avoidance among the participants of the EST and DBT groups, compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Emotional Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy reduced psychological distress and cognitive-behavioral avoidance in patients with BD-II. Therefore, therapists and health professionals can use EST and DBT interventions, along with other effective therapeutic approaches, to reduce psychological distress and cognitive-behavioral avoidance in patients with BD-II.

Effects of Emotional Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Patients with Bipolar II Disorder

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder suffer from different problems, including emotional disorders, e.g., the loss of emotional self-regulation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of emotional schema therapy and dialectical behavior therapy on emotional self-regulation in patients with bipolar II disorder (BP-II). Methods: This was an experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The research population comprised patients with BP-II who visited the counseling and psychology centers of Dezful (Iran) in 2022. A sample of 45 eligible patients was purposively selected and randomly allocated to three groups. Each of the two experimental groups received twelve 90-minute sessions of emotional schema therapy and eleven 90-minute sessions of dialectical behavior therapy, while the control group was on the waiting list. The data were collected using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) and analyzed using the analysis of covariance with the Bonferroni post-hoc test in SPSS v. 26. Results: In the emotional schema therapy group, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the post-test scores of adaptive and maladaptive emotional self-regulation were 20.60 ± 2.99 and 12.66 ± 2.22, respectively. Moreover, in the dialectical behavior therapy group, the mean ± SD of the post-test scores of adaptive and maladaptive emotional self-regulation were 21.60 ± 3.33 and 14.13 ± 2.35, respectively. Both interventions significantly reduced maladaptive emotional self-regulation and significantly increased adaptive emotional self-regulation in the patients with BP-II, compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Emotional schema therapy and dialectical behavior therapy improved emotional self-regulation in patients with BP-II. Therapists and healthcare professionals can thus administer both methods and other effective methods to improve health-related traits, especially self-regulation, in patients with BP-II.

Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels in borderline personality disorder before and after a 12-week group dialectical behavior therapy intervention.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic, debilitating, and difficult to treat condition. BPD has recently been linked to steroid hormone dysregulation and medical conditions characterized by disturbed androgen metabolism. This study aimed to investigate cortisol and testosterone levels in BPD, and changes in hormones following psychological treatment. Participants with BPD (n = 33) completed a 12-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy group program. Pre and post salivary testosterone and cortisol were analyzed. Baseline hormones in the BPD group were compared to age-and-sex matched controls (n = 33). Non-parametric tests were utilized to investigate group differences, pre-post treatment hormone and symptom changes, and associations between symptoms and hormone levels. Participants with BPD had significantly higher testosterone levels than controls. Mean testosterone levels in females with BPD were double that of female controls. Testosterone and cortisol levels were related, and some BPD symptoms were associated with with hormone levels. BPD symptoms reduced significantly with treatment, however pre to post hormone levels did not change. This study supports an association between BPD symptoms and neuroendocrine dysfunction at baseline, however we found no reduction in hormone dysfunction post treatment. Further research into relationships between stress signaling and neuroendocrine disturbances in BPD may inform aetiological and treatment models. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018.

A Virtual DBT Group for High-Risk Youth: An Asynchronous Learning Approach

The challenge of providing a virtual Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group to high-risk youth involves managing the neurodiverse needs and attention struggles of participants. This initiative focused on enhancing youth engagement in a DBT virtual group program by developing an asynchronous learning approach to a DBT skills program and including a parent/guardian component.

Implementation of a brief online skills group of dialectical behaviour therapy for emotional dysregulation in Latinx: a withdrawal experimental single-case design.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills groups have shown promise as an effective treatment for clients with emotional dysregulation, especially when combined with individual DBT. However, their efficacy is not well established as an online therapy, or in the Latinx population. This study aimed to explore satisfaction, retention and effects of an internet-based DBT group added to individual online sessions. An ABAB withdrawal experimental single-case design was conducted to evaluate the effect of a brief online DBT skills group on emotional dysregulation, anxiety and depression for five Latinx participants. DBT skills group (phase B) were compared with placebo group sessions (phase A) and fortnightly individual DBT sessions were offered throughout to manage risk. Visual inspection showed a decrease in level of emotional dysregulation and a large effect size according to the Nonoverlap of All Pairs when comparing group DBT and placebo phases. Although depression symptoms decreased after introducing group DBT, anxiety indicators decreased most during the second round of group placebo sessions. Whilst only a pilot, this study suggests that online group DBT in Latinx populations is feasible and effective for changing emotional regulation processes but may not effectively target anxiety. Future research might increase the number of DBT sessions in order to enhance learning opportunities and generalization. Replication with larger sample sizes and diverse modalities is needed.

An Efficacy of Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Emotion Regulation and Irritability in Students with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

An Efficacy of Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Emotion Regulation and Irritability in Students with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Comparison of the effectiveness of compassionate mind-based therapy and dialectical behavior therapy on cognitive deficits, emotional processing defects and impulsivity of adolescent soldiers aged 18 to 20 years with high-risk behaviors

Background and Aim: High-risk behaviors are behaviors that increase the likelihood of physical, psychological and social disastrous consequences for the individual. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of compassionate mind therapy and dialectical behavior therapy on cognitive deficits, emotional processing defects and impulsivity of adolescent soldiers aged 18 to 20 years with high-risk behaviors. Methods: The method of the present study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a follow-up group. The statistical population of this study included all adolescent soldiers aged 18 to 20 years who referred to Valiasr Medical Center in Tehran in 2020. The sample selection process in the present study consisted of two stages: The first stage was done by purposeful sampling method of high-risk behaviors questionnaire to screen soldiers referred to Valiasr Medical Center in Tehran and among those who received a score higher than the screening method 50 people were selected based on the completion of the consent form for participation in the research as well as the inclusion and exclusion criteria of 45 people (15 people in the first experimental group, 15 people in the second experimental group and 15 people in the control) and specialized in 3 groups at random. To collect data, Iranian adolescents' risk questionnaires, cognitive deficits, Toronto Alexithymia scale, and Impulsivity Scale were used. Results: A pairwise comparison between the two treatment groups showed that cognitive deficits in the two treatment groups of compassion (I-J=7.20; P<0.01) and dialectical behavior therapy (I-J=8.66; P<0.01), Was significant from pre-test to post-test in contrast to control group (I-J=1.56; P<0.05); Also, the study of emotional processing deficits shows that only the dialectical behavior therapy group (I-J=12.73; P<0.01) was significant from pre-test to post-test. Also, the study of impulsivity in treatment groups shows that only compassion treatment was effective in reducing impulsivity (I-J=7.66; P<0.01). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, it seems that with compassionate practice and increasing positive emotions, a person's behavioral-intellectual treasury expands, which can it provided the basis for problem-solving and the reduction of conflicts between intrapersonal and interpersonal emotions, thereby reducing impulsivity and risky behaviors.

Comparing the effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy with group schema therapy on emotional dysregulation in women with coronary heart disease

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy with group schema therapy on emotional dysregulation in women with coronary heart disease. The present study method was quasi-experimental and the design used in this research was a pre-test-post-test design with control and follow-up groups. The statistical population of this research included married women aged 35 to 50 with coronary heart disease who visited Azadi Vascular Hospital in Tehran in 2022. Three groups were randomly grouped using the available sampling method: 15 subjects in the first group, 15 in the second group, and another 15 subjects in the control group. In order to carry out regular treatment sessions, an 8-session dialectical behavior therapy protocol and an 8-session schema therapy protocol were developed and implemented. Gratz and Roemer (2004) Difficulty in Emotional Regulation have been used to collect data. In order to statistically analyze the data, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and Bonferroni's post hoc test were used by SPSS software. The results of Bonferroni's post hoc test showed that there is a difference between the effectiveness of group dialectical behavior therapy and group schema therapy on emotional dysregulation in women with coronary heart disease from the pre-test stage, to the post-test and follow-up (p<0.05); Compared to group schema therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy has a greater effect in reducing emotional dysregulation in women with coronary heart disease from the pre-test stage to the post-test and follow-up

The Effectiveness of Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Structured Matrix Treatment on Quit Addiction Self-efficacy, Distress Tolerance, and Mindfulness in Individuals with Stimulant Drug Abuse

Background: Drug abuse causes irreversible damage to human health at both micro and macro levels among the aggravating problems of human society. Objectives: This research aimed to evaluate the role of group dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and structured matrix treatment (SMT) on quit addiction self-efficacy, distress tolerance, and mindfulness in individuals with stimulant drug abuse. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was based on a pretest-posttest design with test and control groups. The population included drug abusers referring to the centers of addiction rehabilitation affiliated with the Social Welfare Department, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2021. A total of 75 individuals were selected using convenience sampling and allocated to one control group and two experimental groups. Participants in all three groups completed the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Quit Addiction Self-efficacy Questionnaire. The first experimental groups underwent eight sessions (90-minute sessions per week) of group DBT. The SMT was performed on the second experimental group for fourteen 90-minute sessions, and the control group did not receive any training. Then, the data were analyzed statistically using the multivariate analysis of covariance. Results: DBT and SMT groups increased quit addiction self-efficacy, distress tolerance, and mindfulness in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between DBT and SMT groups regarding distress tolerance in the individuals with stimulant drug abuse (P = 0.020). Conclusions: Based on the results, DBT and SMT were effective in quitting addiction self-efficacy, distress tolerance, and mindfulness among drug abusers, improved psychological states, and reduced drug abuse in individuals.

Madde Kullanım Bozukluğu olan Hastalarda Diyalektik Davranış Terapisi Grup Becerileri Eğitimi Pilot Çalışması: Madde Kullanım Şiddeti, Duygudurum ve İlişki Becerilerindeki Değişiklikler

Objective: This pilot study aimed to investigate effects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Skills Training (DBT-ST) on patients’ severity of substance use status, mood and other psychological symptoms, difficulties in emotion regulation, interpersonal problem solving skills, and social competence. Method: Nine outpatient males with substance use disorders were administered the DBT-ST for 20 weeks. Age ranged between 17 and 34. Average years of substance use was 1.61 (SD=.29). DBT-ST modules (mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance) were administered for 20 weeks. Urine toxicology screenings, the Addiction Profile Index (API), the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory, and the Perceived Social Competence Scale were administered at pre and post-treatment. Results: There were significant decreases in the severity of substance use with decreased number of positive drug screening test results and an increase in emotion regulation; decreases in the API total score, dependency diagnosis, and the effects of substance use on the user sub-scale scores; depression, hostility, and phobic anxiety sub-scale scores on the SCL-90-R; the BDI total score; and nonacceptance, strategies, clarity and impulsivity sub-scale scores of the DERS. Conclusion: The findings indicated a 20 week DBT-ST helped participants increase their days of abstinence, regulate emotional regulation, decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms, and substance related difficulties.

Trajectories of Treatment Response and Nonresponse in Youth at High Risk for Suicide.

To examine trajectories of treatment response in suicidal youth who participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and individual and group supportive therapy. Using latent class analysis across both treatment conditions, secondary analyses were conducted of data from a multisite randomized controlled trial comprising 173 youths ages 12-18 with repetitive self-harm (SH) (including≥1 lifetime suicide attempts) and elevated suicidal ideation (SI). The sample was 95% female, 56.4% White, and 27.49% Latina. Participants received 6 months of DBT or individual and group supportive therapy and 6 months of follow-up. Primary outcomes were SH and SI. Of the sample, 63% and 74% were members of latent classes that showed improvement in SI and SH, respectively; 13% were total nonresponders, with no improvement in SI or SH. SH nonresponse emerged at the midpoint of treatment (3 months), with nonresponders showing a sharp increase in SH over the remainder of treatment and follow-up. Youth receiving DBT were significantly more likely to be an SH responder vs nonresponder than youths in individual and group supportive therapy (ꭓ21= 6.53, p= .01). An optimal threshold cut point using multivariate predictors of total nonresponse (White, externalizing symptoms, total SH, and SI) predicted total nonresponders to DBT with 100% accuracy. This is the first study to identify trajectories of both SI and SH response to treatment in a sample of adolescents at risk of suicide. Results may inform personalized treatment approaches. Collaborative Adolescent Research on Emotions and Suicide (CARES); https://www. gov/; NCT01528020.

Adult ADHD Treatment Based on Combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as Measured by Subjective and Objective Scales

Almost 30% of ADHD adults do not respond to standard pharmaceuticals. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a method for modulation of cortical excitability. On the other hand, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach that might be utilized for adults with ADHD. The effects of integration of these interventions are only beginning to be explored. In the present work, we used both subjective and objective measures to investigate the effects of tDCS, DBT, and the integration of the two in treating adult ADHD symptoms. A total of 80 adults with ADHD (63 females, 17 males) participated in the study and were grouped into control, DBT, tDCS, and combined groups. Based on the observed results, the combination of DBT and tDCS was significantly effective in improving the mentioned variables compared to administration of each method in isolation. The results are discussed in terms of neurophysiological and psychological aspects of treatment methods.