Effects of a modified DBT Skills Group for military personnel and Veterans with OSIs and borderline personality disorder or traits

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY This study looked at the use of a group treatment known as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Group (DBT-SG) to see if it was helpful for military personnel and Veterans who had a variety of mental health disorders related to their service. The results of the study showed improvements in symptoms of borderline personality disorder, reductions in negative thoughts and feelings, and reductions in unhelpful behaviours. Results also showed improvements in all examined areas of functioning among participants, with the largest change occurring in the area of social functioning. The presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or chronic pain did not impact results, but the presence of a substance abuse disorder did. Overall, the results provide preliminary support for DBT-SG as an intervention for borderline personality disorder symptoms among military and Veterans, and perhaps particularly for persons who also have other mental health challenges, or persons for whom other treatment may be considered inappropriate.