Question: In adults with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, how effective is dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) when compared to any other treatment in improved patient outcomes?

Answer:

One systematic review (SR) stated that some of the problems frequently encountered by people with borderline personality disorder may be amenable to talking/behaviour treatments, and that these treatments have considerable positive effects (Binks et al. 2009). Another SR reported that the overall efficacy of psychological therapies is promising, but the authors did not report any specific clinical implications (Brazier et al. 2006). There is consensus that more long-term studies that use validated outcomes are needed. The SR by Brazier et al. (2006) provides a long list of detailed methodological recommendations for further research.

To view the full summary, click the Download Document link to the right.

To view relevant national guidelines, click Related Links, below.

To view the Cochrane review which is included in this summary, click Related Documents, below.