Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations

This article overviews the theory behind Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), outlines the treatment, summarizes empirical support for DBT, & efficacy. DBT is based on biosocial theory that views borderline personality disorder as primarily a dysfunction of the emotion regulation system. In 2 randomized trials, DBT has shown superiority in reducing parasuicide, medical risks of parasuicides, number of hospital days, & dropout from treatment & anger, while improving social adjustment. (25 Refs.)