93).
A study conducted of 44 patients with BPD who met the criteria for BPD and had a chronic tendency of parasuicide demonstrated that DBT is more effective that traditional or treatment as usual therapies (Osada, 2003). Cognitive behavioral therapy generally results in a "reduction of parsuicidal attempts in patients, a higher attrition rate in subjects and fewer inpatient psychiatric hospitalization days" (Osada, 2003; Linehan et. al, 1991).
The research suggests that DBT works like standard cognitive behavioral therapy techniques by emphasizing ongoing assessment and data collection with regard to typical patient behaviors, and requires a clear and precise definition of treatment targets and a collaborative working relationship between patients and therapists (Osada, 2003). The key features are the same as cognitive behavior therapy and include problem solving, skills training and cognitive modification (Linehan, 1993; Osada, 2003).
Cognitive behavioral therapy assumes that borderline personality patients have "early maladaptive schemas or patterns of thinking that develop during childhood" and it is these patterns that result in…