Year: 2004 Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, v.43, no.3, (March 2004), p.276-282 SIEC No: 20041081

This study evaluated the feasibility of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) implementation in a general child & adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. It provides preliminary effectiveness data on DBT versus treatment as usual (TAU). In a comparison of 62 suicidal adolescents treated with either DBT or TAU, DBT significantly reduced behavioral incidents during admission compared to TAU. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in parasuicidal behavior, depressive symptoms, & suicidal ideation at 1 year. Implications are discussed. (29 refs)