Citation

James AC, Winmill L, Anderson C, Alfoadari K. Child Adolesc. Ment. Health 2011; 16(1): 9-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00571.x

PMID

32847224

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescents in the Looked After Care (LAC) system demonstrate high rates of psychiatric disorder and self-harm; however, there is little evidence for therapies reducing self-harm in this population.

METHOD: An open evaluation of DBT for adolescents with repeated serious self-harm in the LAC system was undertaken.

RESULTS: An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed that DBT was successful at reducing the core elements of depression, hopelessness and self-harm; however, 35% (7/20) failed to engage.

CONCLUSION: DBT is a useful treatment option; the failure, however, of some adolescents to engage in therapy may be due to their higher initial rates of depression and hopelessness.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescence; Dialetic behavioural therapy (DBT); Looked After Care system (LAC)