Dialectical behaviour therapy for younger adults: evaluation of 22 weeks of community delivered dialectical behaviour therapy for females 18–25 years

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a multi-modal psychological therapy with established efficacy in treating borderline personality disorder (BPD). Younger adults represent a group more likely to drop out of treatment than their older counterparts and treatments specifically targeted at this younger cohort may be advantageous. The current study We describe an evaluation of a DBT programme in a mental health centre for younger adults 18-25 years who met criteria for BPD (n=11). Methodology We used a simple pre/post-test design, measuring BPD symptoms, general mental health symptoms, and coping skills using self-report questionnaires at the beginning of DBT and again following the delivery of 22 weeks of DBT. Findings Statistically significant reductions were found in BPD symptoms and several mental health symptoms alongside an increase in DBT skills use. Dropout was 31% at 22 weeks of treatment. Methodological weaknesses and avenues for future research are discussed.