Feasibility and Efficacy of Brief DBT Intervention for Adults With Borderline Personality Disorder/Traits: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Standard, comprehensive dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) has been well established as an effective and evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). As a comprehensive and longer term treatment (e.g., 6–12 months or more), DBT can be challenging to implement in resource-strapped public healthcare settings. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine existing literature to assess the efficacy and feasibility of abbreviated DBT programs (16 weeks or fewer in duration, no more than one group session per week). Literature searches yielded 22 studies (20 journal articles and 2 dissertations) meeting criteria for inclusion. Findings indicated that abbreviated forms of DBT are overall effective in improving symptoms of BPD, general psychiatric symptoms including depression and anxiety, and general functioning. Attrition rates varied widely (between 0% and 60%). Of note, the majority of studies reviewed were observational, had small sample sizes, and used varied outcome measures focusing on preintervention and postintervention symptom scores. In this article, we discuss the current state of the literature and suggest future directions for the efficient implementation of DBT.