Effects of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training on Depression and Anxiety Disorders - A Pilot Study under Routine Care Conditions

Objective Skills training as an integral part of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is highly effective in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Research interest is increasingly focused on the transdiagnostic effects of the skills training on depression and anxiety disorders. The present study examined the extent to which the findings of high‐quality randomized controlled studies can be transferred to everyday treatment under routine care conditions. Methods N = 26 patients without personality disorders were treated in a day clinic over a period of eight weeks. In the control group, 11 patients received routine care treatment and in the experimental group 15 patients additionally received weekly skills training. Symptom distress, as well as emotion regulation and mindfulness were assessed longitudinally at three time points. Multilevel analyzes were used to examine whether there was an additive effect of the skills training. Results The experimental group was superior to the control group in all endpoints. The effect sizes were comparable to those from experimental research. Improvements in mindfulness were significantly correlated with reductions in symptom distress. Discussion The findings fit into previous research efforts and complement them with a naturalistic research perspective. The advantages and disadvantages of an experimental and naturalistic research perspective are discussed, and relevant limitations of the present study are highlighted. Conclusion Skills training is an established, flexible, modular therapy program that is ideal for improving the adaptability of patients with different psychological diagnoses.