[Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)--developments and empirical evidence]

Abstract

Objective: Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been initially designed and evaluated as an outpatient-treatment program for chronic suicidal female patients. Within the last years, several adaptations of DBT for specific comorbidities, other settings or other disorders related to emotion dysregulation have been developed. This report reviews conceptual aspects and the scientific evidence of initially designed Dialectical Behavior Therapy and the adaptations.

Methods: Systematic literature search and systematic review.

Results: Recently, two meta-analyses which are based on randomized controlled trials conclude robust and stabile effects of DBT Evidence from further RCTs and other studies show promise for the properties of many DBT adaptations.

Conclusion: The current review of the literature suggests a good effectiveness of DBT, especially on complex disorders with deficits in the field of emotion regulation.