Outcome and predictors of functional impairment in suicidal women with BPD receiving Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with BPD are more likely to be more functionally impaired, or experience difficulty finding and maintaining satisfying employment, housing, or relationships. The theory underlying Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) proposes that emotion dysregulation is the core feature of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and lacking skills to regulate emotions drives many of the maladaptive behaviors associated with BPD. While various aspects of functioning have been examined in individuals diagnosed with BPD, possible mechanisms have not been explored. Participants (n=99) were drawn from a single-blind, randomized controlled trial component analysis of DBT. Participants were women diagnosed of borderline personality disorder who had at least two episodes of suicide attempts and/or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the last 5 years, an episode in the 8 weeks prior to screening, and a suicide attempt in the past year. Results indicate that DBT improve functioning. Emotion dysregulation and skills use assessed from the previous period predicted functional outcomes. Implications of the findings are discussed.