In the U.S., Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month is observed in May. It is dedicated to spreading awareness, encouraging people to not hesitate in getting help, and ending the stigma that surrounds Borderline Personality Disorder (National Today).
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to support clients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT has since been applied to be effective with a range of challenges including depression, relational challenges, trauma and more. However, the umbrella DBT works best with is emotion dysregulation. DBT supports clients with emotion dysregulation by reducing their problematic behaviors, increasing life skills, and building a Life Worth Living!
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders describes BPD as a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, affects and marked impulsivity beginning in early adulthood. Symptoms can include fears of abandonment, impulsivity, suicidal behaviors or self-harm, feelings of emptiness, and difficulty controlling anger.
BPD is a heavily stigmatized mental health condition. This stigmatization and invalidation can result in severe emotional dysregulation and out-of-control behaviors. Many mental health professionals are reluctant to treat and even refuse to treat a person who meets diagnostic criteria for BPD.
DBT’s Biosocial Theory helps explain emotion dysregulation and how BPD can present in someone’s life. The theory proposes that BPD and emotion dysregulation develops due to a combination of biological predispositions and environmental factors. The biological factors include an emotional vulnerability, as well as impulsivity having a biological basis. There is also an invalidating environment, not understanding a sensitive person’s emotions – this could be society as a whole, parents, partners, teachers, or others. The theory also recognizes the transactional relationship between the biological factors and the social environment influencing the person, as well as the person influencing his or her social environment.
DBT addresses problems with emotional reactivity by balancing acceptance and validation with change. DBT teaches clients skills from four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness in order to better cope with stress, regulate emotions and manage relationships effectively.
To learn more about or enroll in our DBT programs visit dbtcenteroc.com or call 949-480-7767.
Written By,
Nora Josephson LPC AMFT, Clinical Operations Director
Photo Credit: Олег Мороз on Unsplash
Resources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
https://nationaltoday.com/borderline-personality-disorder-awareness-month/
DBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition. Marsha M. Linehan, 2014.
Leave a Reply