Citation

Palmer RL, Birchall H, Damani S, Gatward N, McGrain L, Parker L. Int. J. Eat. Disord. 2003; 33(3): 281-286.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/eat.10141

PMID

12655624

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a full dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program for people with comorbid eating disorder and borderline personality disorder. The program included a novel skills training module written especially for eating-disordered patients.
METHOD: The program was run for 18 months. Days in hospital and major acts of self-harm were counted for the 18 months before and after DBT.
RESULTS: There were no dropouts from the program. The patients seemed to benefit. Most patients were neither eating disordered nor self-harming at follow-up.
DISCUSSION: Full DBT is an expensive and demanding treatment but deserves consideration for patients with an eating disorder and co-morbid borderline personality disorder and self-harm. There is a need for a more systematic and thorough evaluation.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent; Adult; Behavior Therapy; Borderline Personality Disorder; Comorbidity; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Self-Injurious Behavior; Treatment Outcome