Description

Description:
This study evaluated dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) versus treatment-as-usual (TAU) within a 6-week partial hospitalization program. The 103 adolescent participants (M age = 15.27 years) were predominately girls (n = 63; 61%) with a variety of primary mental health diagnoses. Results indicated that DBT-A was superior for decreasing symptoms of depression and interpersonal sensitivity, but no statistically significant difference was detected for anxiety or hostility. Implications for treating youth with transdiagnostic identities are discussed.

Objectives:

1. Explore how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be applied with adolescents in a partial hospitalization program
2. Examine strategies for treating youth with transdiagnostic identities

Author(s):

• A. Stephen Lenz, MA
• Garry Del Conte, Daybreak Treatment Center