Int J Eat Disord. 2003 Apr;33(3):281-6.

A dialectical behavior therapy program for people with an eating disorder and borderline personality disorder--description and outcome.

Palmer RL¹, Birchall H, Damani S, Gatward N, McGrain L, Parker L.

Author information

1: Department of Psychiatry, Leicester Warwick Medical School, Brandon Mental Health Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, United Kingdom.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe and evaluate a full dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program for people with comorbid eating disorder and borderline personality disorder. The program included a novel skills training module written especially for eating-disordered patients.

METHOD:

The program was run for 18 months. Days in hospital and major acts of self-harm were counted for the 18 months before and after DBT.

RESULTS:

There were no dropouts from the program. The patients seemed to benefit. Most patients were neither eating disordered nor self-harming at follow-up.

DISCUSSION:

Full DBT is an expensive and demanding treatment but deserves consideration for patients with an eating disorder and co-morbid borderline personality disorder and self-harm. There is a need for a more systematic and thorough evaluation.