Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Eating Disorders: A Therapeutic Approach to Acceptance and Change
DBT has been adapted to effectively treat clients with eating disorders, emphasizing skills that enhance mindfulness, regulate emotions, and tolerate distress safely. Providers dealing with these clients are often familiar with the challenges of treatment failures and relapses, which can have severe consequences.
Experts indicate that when conventional treatments do not yield results, it may be due to patients having co-occurring mental health conditions that complicate the treatment process. This complexity can hinder progress, as emotional dysregulation, intricate eating pathology, and impulsive behaviors may complicate the treatment process.
Many individuals with eating disorders exhibit high emotional sensitivity and may resort to self-harm to manage their emotions. Research shows that between 40% and 50% of those with eating disorders experience depression, 30% to 40% have anxiety, and approximately one-third have personality disorders.
To address these complex cases, DBT offers a framework for patients to develop healthier emotional regulation strategies and to reevaluate behaviors stemming from emotional dysregulation. The therapy prioritizes skills training to boost mindfulness, facilitate appropriate emotion regulation, and foster safe distress tolerance. The term "dialectical" reflects the balance between acceptance and change, both vital components of the therapeutic process.
Originally developed by psychologist Marsha Linehan to adapt cognitive-behavioral therapy for individuals facing chronic suicidality and self-harm—many of whom had borderline personality disorder—DBT has since evolved. It is utilized in various settings, including inpatient, residential, and outpatient treatment, and has been tailored for patients with eating disorders who struggle with emotional regulation. This approach is applicable not only to complex cases but also to less severe situations where standard treatments have failed.
Click here for more information about DBT for eating disorders.
To speak with a clinician and to see if DBT is right for you, set up a call with one of Columbus Park’s senior providers.
