Dialectical behavior therapy in emotion dysregulation - Report of two cases

Abstract

Emotion dysregulation is the inability to control and modulate one's affective state, and it might be associated with mental disorders. The development of secure attachment with significant others, in early childhood, has been theorized to be essential to the development of emotional regulation. Disruption of the formation of secure internal representations may, therefore, substantially compromise the acquisition of emotional-regulation capacities in childhood and lead to social maladjustment in later life. It is a pre-post case study design of two adolescents who presented with acts of self-harm and history indicating a provisional diagnosis of personality disorder. However, an in-depth assessment revealed emotional dysregulation. The model of Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) recommended for non-clinical populations was delivered in 12-16 sessions, resulting in a positive outcome that sustained for 12-24 months follow-up, improving interpersonal effectiveness. The role of DBT as an early intervention in emotional dysregulation is highlighted, as it enhances social adjustment by altering the attribution style.