Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 May;34(3):805-817.
doi: 10.1111/jar.12860. Epub 2021 Feb 17.

The adaptation and feasibility of dialectical behaviour therapy for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and transdiagnoses: A pilot community-based randomized controlled trial

Jessica Jones  1 , Ashleigh Blinkhorn  1 , Meg McQueen  1 , Laura Hewett  1   2 , Mary-Jane Mills-Rogers  1   2 , Layla Hall  1 , Lujain Althagafi  1 , Chloe Hudson  1 , Madelaine Gierc  1 , Kristyn Wright  1 , Hannah Goettl  1 , Daniel Keogh-Lim  1 , Alexis Rischke-Peddle  1 , Muhammad Ayub  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The adaptation and feasibility of dialectical behaviour therapy for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and transdiagnoses: A pilot community-based randomized controlled trial

Jessica Jones et al. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2021 May.

Abstract

Introduction: Preliminary evidence suggests dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may be beneficial for persons with intellectual disabilities. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of adapted DBT for adults with intellectual disabilities and co-morbid psychiatric disorders in the community.

Methods: An adapted DBT programme (aDBT-ID) was delivered to adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability (n = 20) and their caregivers (n = 20). A single-blind, mixed-methods design was employed with treatment (n = 10) and control (n = 10). In addition to feasibility, pre-post-measures of emotional regulation, anger and mental health were taken from clients and caregivers.

Results: Results suggest it was feasible and beneficial to deliver adapted DBT in the community. Qualitative findings found both participants and caregivers were satisfied with the treatment delivery. No differences between conditions were found.

Conclusion: This pilot study highlights the feasibility of adapted DBT for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the practicalities of delivering community-based inclusive research.

Keywords: dialectical behaviour therapy; emotion dysregulation; group treatment; intellectual developmental disability; psychiatric/mental health diagnosis.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. Ashworth, S., & Brotherton, N. (2018). “We can feel good”: Evaluation of an adapted DBT informed skills programme in medium security. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 12(5/6), 184-194.
    1. Ashworth, S., Mooney, P., & Tully, R. (2016). Adapted DBT programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities and problems managing emotions: Staff awareness training. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), 185-198.
    1. Baillie, A., & Slater, S. (2014). Community dialectical behaviour therapy for emotionally dysregulated adults with intellectual disabilities. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(3), 165-173.
    1. Beail, N. (2003). What works for people with mental retardation? Critical commentary on cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapy research. Mental Retardation, 41(6), 468-472.
    1. Bohus, M., Dyer, A. S., Priebe, K., Krüger, A., Kleindienst, N., Schmahl, C., & Steil, R. (2013). Dialectical behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder after childhood sexual abuse in patients with and without borderline personality disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 82(4), 221-233.

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources