20 Weeks DBT Group Skills Training Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 20-week Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills training group for the treatment of chronic suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviours in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Previous research has established the effectiveness of a one year comprehensive, combined individual and group DBT treatment. However, in practice, DBT is often offered in a skills only group format. This study will consist of a randomized, controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of DBT compared to a wait list control. 84 participants will be randomized to the 20-week DBT group or the wait-list and the following outcomes will be assessed: 1. frequency of suicidal and NSSI behaviours 2. symptom distress 3. impulsivity 4. treatment retention 5. skill acquisition and 6. social functioning Assessments will occur at pre-treatment, 10 weeks, 20 weeks and 3 months post treatment. The following main hypotheses will be examined: (1) Patients in the DBT skills group condition will have superior outcomes to patients on the treatment as usual wait list control in areas targeted by the treatment: frequency of suicidal and NSSI behaviours, emergency room visits, psychiatric hospital admissions, impulsivity, and knowledge and use of behavioral skills, general symptoms. The group receiving DBT will have superior outcomes at post treatment and these outcomes will be maintained during the three month post-treatment follow-up.