A 26-year-old woman with borderline personality disorder has chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm, and difficulty tolerating emotional distress. She repeatedly calls her therapist between sessions in crisis. Which psychotherapy is specifically designed for this presentation and validated by randomised trials?
- A Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) ✓
- B Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- C Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- D Supportive psychotherapy
Correct answer: A. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Explanation
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan, is the evidence-based treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder. It incorporates individual therapy, skills training group (distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness), phone coaching, and therapist consultation team. DBT has the strongest RCT evidence for reducing self-harm, suicidal behaviour, and hospitalisations in BPD. The term 'dialectical' refers to balancing acceptance and change.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.