An intensive DBT program for patients with multidiagnostic eating disorder presentations: A case series analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study presents case-series data on a novel outpatient program that blends dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with standard eating disorder (ED) interventions (i.e., food exposure, weight monitoring, cognitive modification, ED psychoeducation) for patients with complex and multidiagnostic ED presentations. METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative data was collected on a sample of seven consecutively admitted women who presented with a severe ED, a history of several failed treatment attempts, pervasive emotion dysregulation, and significant Axis I or II psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., PTSD, borderline personality disorder). RESULTS: Treatment was associated with reductions in ED symptoms, suicidal and self-injurious behaviors, treatment interfering behaviors, psychiatric and medical hospitalizations, and clinician burnout. DISCUSSION: Overall, the results suggest that this blended DBT/cognitive behavior therapy for ED treatment model is a promising intervention for this complex and "hard to treat" population.

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