A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is now regarded as an empirically validated form of treatment for borderline personality disorder in both outpatient and inpatient settings. How large is the average effectiveness across previous studies? Is there evidence of differential effectiveness? Does effectiveness differ between the original outpatient concept and the inpatient adaptation? A literature search identified ten primary studies included in the meta-analysis. In addition to summary effect sizes (ES) across all measures, specific ES were calculated for the domains of impulsivity, social adjustment, and general symptom burden.