Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as a Transdiagnostic Treatment for Common Psychiatric Disorders: Study Protocol for a Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundDialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the most well-known interventions for treating Borderline Personality Disorder, but has been increasingly adapted for use with other psychiatric disorders. Standard DBT consists of four treatment modes, delivered over the course of a full year. Adaptations made to DBT to suit other patient populations include changes to modes of delivery, treatment length, and other components such as skills modules taught to patients. In some cases, interventions from other evidence-based therapies for specific presenting problems or clinical concerns are incorporated into the treatment. This study aims to synthesize the existing evidence on DBT as a treatment for various types of psychiatric conditions.MethodsA systematic review and planned meta-analysis will be conducted according to the procedures outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins et al., 2019). Outcomes will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). A search strategy was devised to combine domains of various clinical presentations and the treatment approach (i.e., DBT).DiscussionResults from this study will deepen understanding of the effectiveness of DBT in treating various psychiatric conditions, and the clinical populations with which it would be most appropriate for use.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42020168550