Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotion Regulation Changes in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder in Delta Region of Egypt

Background: Researchers have proved the role of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in improving emotion regulation skills in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Further researches for its effect in different cultures was needed. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of DBT relative to treatment as usual “TAU” in improving emotional regulation in BPD patients of the delta region of Egypt.

Subjects and Methods: We conducted a prospective, comparative, non-randomized study. Eligible patients were assigned at their convenience or according to the immediate availability of treatment slots to a comprehensive DBT program integrating DBT skills into skills training schedule or treatment as usual (TAU). Patients were assessed at baseline, and follow up assessment at 4, 8, 12, and 16 months was done using the Arabic version of, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS),

Results: DBT patients showed better and lower scores of emotion regulation and distress tolerance scales in comparison to TAU. Overall, these positive outcomes were maintained in follow-up for four months post-treatment year.

Conclusions: We provide the superior efficacy of DBT in improving emotion regulation in delta region's patients with BPD in comparison to TAU.