Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Treat Depression and Mood Disorder
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was initially developed by Marsha Linehan to treat Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). More specifically, Linehan put DBT together as a set of instructive modules designed to help people reduce their emotion dysregulation—the symptom she viewed as the core problem in BPD. Since its original development, this therapy has been found helpful for several other conditions aside from BPD. One disorder that can be improved by DBT is depression.
Be sure to read my previous articles in this series for an overview of DBT and a review of the way in which DBT can help people with BPD. This article will focus on the use of DBT for Depression/Mood Disorder. Read on to learn more about the application of DBT for mood:
Application of DBT to Depression/Mood Dysfunction
As noted in the previous articles in this series, DBT offers four training modules. Each of these modules is constructed to teach clients a particular set of skills. The mindfulness module teaches clients how to slow down and observe their thoughts, rather than immediately reacting. Distress tolerance module teaches clients how to manage difficult emotions even during their most challenging moments. The emotion regulation module teaches clients how to identify and manage their emotions. Finally, the interpersonal effectiveness module helps clients improve their social skills.
Here, I want to elaborate on the skills taught within each module, and how those skills can help people reduce their symptoms of depression/mood dysfunction.
Low mood and intense sadness are the hallmark features of depression. Research does indicate that certain thought patterns, such as rumination on past events, contribute to this low mood. Research indicates that isolation may prolong the condition. Thus, improvements in thought patterns and social interactions can reduce symptoms. Dialectical behavior therapy can teach skills and ways of being that can help someone get out of depression and build a life worth living.
The mindfulness module of DBT teaches clients that thinking too much about the past or too much about the future is not useful. Dwelling on the past most often contributes to depression, while worrying over the future most often contributes to anxiety. However, if there is a sense of hopelessness about the future, that may also increase depressive symptoms.
Clients are taught instead to focus on the present. By focusing on the present, people can better manage their thought processes and mood. Clients are given skills and strategies to observe the world around them, be actively mentally present in their current world, and more easily return to the moment if some upset or distress threatens to take their mind elsewhere.
The distress tolerance module teaches clients how to manage challenging emotions and situations they cannot escape. This is something individuals with depression may find particularly helpful, especially if their depressive distress ever escalates to the point of suicidal ideation. By learning how to reduce distress during difficult moments, they learn how to emotionally soothe themselves.
The emotion regulation module teaches clients to take care of themselves through self-care approaches so that they are more capable of maintaining their emotions in the ideal range.
Self-care approaches such as following a schedule/routine, getting enough sleep, eating properly, taking time for fun, spending time with friends, and engaging in other positive activities will reduce emotional vulnerability.
The final module, interpersonal effectiveness, clients can learn skills for interacting with others. By learning and practicing these skills, they will feel more comfortable engaging in social settings. In turn, this will allow them to make new relationships. In turn again, this will allow for less isolation and more positive social supports.
Evidence Supporting DBT for Depression/Mood Dysfunction
Research supports the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy as at least one component in the treatment of depression. Many people with depression will find it helpful to receive a comprehensive approach to treatment, which may include DBT alongside other interventions, including medication, lifestyle changes, supplements, lab testing for nutrient deficiencies and other problems and other treatments.
Mind Body Seven clinicians offer treatment in Brooklyn and via teletherapy for adolescents and adults. If have not worked with us and want to get started please contact us here, so we can set you up with the clinicians that best suit your individual needs. If you are an existing patient get in touch with us here to set up your next appointment.