Usefulness of abbreviated dialectical behavior therapy for emotion regulation difficulties in Mexican students: Clinical cases

Abstract

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported treatment aimed at complex and difficult to treat mental health disorders; its final goal is helping patients build a life worth living. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of DBT to reduce the symptoms of borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and stress, and to increase the overall mental health and mindfulness in a group of Mexican university students. In a university clinic in Mexico City, students with emotion regulation difficulties were identified and received an intervention based on comprehensive DBT adapted for a duration of six months. Out of the 19 patients enrolled in the program, six completed it entirely. Improvements were found on all variables. The results suggest that this short version of DBT could be effective in helping students with emotion regulation difficulties.