Identifying DBT Candidates: The Case of Lisa

Stephanie Vaughn

Psychē, PLLC Vanderbilt University

Key Points

  1. Lisa’s symptoms align with the DSM-5 criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by emotional dysregulation, unstable interpersonal relationships, and recurrent suicidal behavior.
  2. Identifying suitable dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) candidates often involves looking for a history of suicidal behaviors, BPD diagnosis, and/or interpersonal challenges with therapists.
  3. Emotional dysregulation and sensitivity are often innate traits, manifesting as high reactivity, extreme reactions, and a slower return to emotional baselines.
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DBT Candidates

It can be a challenge to understand whether a client is a suitable candidate for DBT. Clinicians often encounter people who specifically request it. However, not every case necessitates comprehensive DBT treatment. Some might only need certain components, while others may benefit from a different therapeutic approach altogether.

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