Dialectical behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy: A mode of treatment designed for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly those with suicidal behavior. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) aims to help people with BPD to validate their emotions and behaviors, examine those behaviors and emotions that have a negative impact on their lives, and make a conscious effort to bring about positive changes. In validation the therapist helps the patient see that their behavior and responses are understandable in relation to their current life situation. In BPD however these behaviors and responses often create a great deal of stress, suffering, and instability in the patient’s life. With training in problem solving the patient works on building social and personal skills to deal effectively with the problems in life. Studies have indicated that people with BPD who have had DBT make fewer suicide attempts and enter the hospital less often.
DBT may have applications outside BPD. It is being tested as a therapy for other kinds of patients such as suicidal adolescents, older adults with depression, and women with eating disorders. DBT was pioneered by Marsha Linehan at the University of Washington.
Read Also:
- Dialysis
hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients can usually choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs.
- Dialysis machine
A machine used in dialysis that filters a patient’s blood to remove excess water and waste products when the kidneys are damaged, dysfunctional, or missing. The dialysis machine itself can be thought of as an artificial kidney. Inside, it consists of more plastic tubing that carries the removed blood to the dialyser, a bundle of […]
- Dialysis, peritoneal
Dialysis, peritoneal: A dialysis technique that uses the patient’s own body tissues inside the belly (abdominal cavity) as a filter. The intestines lie in the abdominal cavity, the space between the abdominal wall and the spine. A plastic tube called a dialysis catheter is placed through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity. A […]
- Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Medical Definition
Diamond-Blackfan anemia: A genetic condition affecting the bone marrow that leads to anemia (low numbers of red blood cells) and often, birth defects. It affects five to 10 out of every million babies born in the U.S. A number of genetic mutations have been identified that can cause Diamond-Blackfan anemia, and it is inherited in […]
- Diaper rash
An inflammatory reaction localized to the area of skin usually covered by the diaper. It can have many causes, including infections (yeast, bacterial, or viral), friction irritation, chemical allergies (perfumes, soaps), sweat, decomposed urine, and plugged sweat glands. Most diaper rash problems can be solved by cleansing the skin with nonperfumed, gentle products; changing diapers […]