The effects of a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-Informed Intensive Outpatient Programme on emotional regulation

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Tara Hospital’s Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)-Informed Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) on clinical variables linked to emotional regulation. Methods: Pre and postintervention questionnaire data from eight consecutive IOPs were analysed to assess changes in participants’ capacities for emotional regulation and related psychological constructs of self-esteem, interpersonal conflict, and impulsivity, as well as for clinical features of anxiety and depression. Demographic and clinical information were also collected to characterise the sample and identify predictors of IOP completion. Participants in the IOP represented a mixed-diagnostic sample. Results: Participants who were older, had a higher level of education and had not completed a previous DBT programme were more likely to complete the programme as were participants with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There were no other differences between the completer and non-completer groups, including the preintervention scores. For those participants who completed the programme and had complete data sets, there was a significant reduction in depressive symptoms as well as improvement in overall emotional regulation capacity. Conclusions: Results support the use of a DBT-informed IOP for patients from a mixed-diagnostic sample with emotional regulation difficulties. Younger patients, with lower levels of education, and who have not completed a previous DBT programme may benefit from increased support to ensure IOP completion