ing structures that are responsible for psychological responses (Stenhouse & Van Kessel, 2002). The therapist works to mobilize the patient toward achieving a particular goal or aim (Stenhouse & Van Kessel, 2002).
Social workers and psychologists are increasingly seeking out new methods for treating BPD. The latest approach is termed dialectical behavior therapy which is a form of cognitive behavior therapy (Linehan, 1993). This form of therapy combines cognitive and behavioral techniques in a highly structured treatment protocol that has been shown as an effective form of intervention (Osada, 2003).
The treatment described by Linehan defines the pathology of BPD according to the criteria established by the DSM-IV, thus generally patients are considered as having emotional dys-regulation and instability characterized with episodic depression, irritability and anger (Osada, 2003). Impulsive behavior is another characteristic trait with frequent attempts at suicide or self-injury (Linehan, 1993).
Traditionally treating borderline personality disorder has proven difficult in a clinical setting because patients don't often respond to therapeutic efforts and generally drop out of treatment frequently (Osada, 2003). Therapists sometimes avoid treating patients because they are typically resistant and may demonstrate angry characteristics (Osada, 2003). DBT however is an effective treatment tool that combines individual psychotherapy, the traditional approach to BPD with DSM-IV criteria with psychosocial skills training (Osada, 2003).
Few psychosocial treatments for BPD have been shown to be effective when utilized alone as a treatment method for BPD (Osada, 2003; Linehan et. al, 1999). Pharmacotherapy is often commonly utilized as a secondary treatment method to address depressive symptoms however the effects of medication are also somewhat limited in patients with BPD (Osada, 2003). DBT however has shown to effectively treat BPD particularly in patients who demonstrate self-injurious behavior (Osada, 2003; Linehan, 1993).
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…