Citation

Cook NE, Gorraiz M. Child Adolesc. Ment. Health 2016; 21(2): 81-89.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/camh.12112

PMID

32680373

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven effective in reducing symptoms and behaviors related to Borderline Personality Disorder. More recently, it has been modified and applied to adolescents struggling with regulating their emotions and who may engage in impulsive, self-destructive behaviors, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, there is limited research evidence regarding the effectiveness of DBT for reducing NSSI behavior and depression among adolescents. Given the high suicide risk associated with NSSI and its association with depression, this is clearly an important focus of clinical and research attention.
METHOD: This meta-analysis sought to offer preliminary evidence regarding the effectiveness of DBT to treat NSSI and depression in adolescents. Twelve published studies were included; all 12 reported pre- and post-treatment measures of depression and six of these studies reported pre- and post-treatment measures of NSSI.
RESULTS: The weighted mean effect size for NSSI was large (g = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.59-1.03); the weighted mean effect size for depression was small (g = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.30-0.42).
CONCLUSIONS: Intervention effects for both outcomes were positive, suggesting decreased NSSI and improvement in depressive symptoms for adolescents following a course of DBT. However, given considerable limitations in the research base available for meta-analysis, these findings are preliminary and tentative. Limitations in the current knowledge base and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescents; depression; meta-analysis; nonsuicidal self-injury; Dialectical behavior therapy