A Pilot Intervention of Multifamily Dialectical Behavior Group Therapy in a Treatment-Seeking Adolescent Population

Abstract

This open pilot trial examined the feasibility of a 16-week multifamily dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills group adapted for a multifamily context as an addendum to treatment as usual. Psychopathology symptoms in both adolescents ( N = 13) and caregivers ( N = 16) were assessed pre- and posttreatment using multiple methods and reporters. There was a significant reduction in adolescent borderline and antisocial personality disorder symptoms as assessed by diagnostic interview, as well as a significant decrease in caregiver-reported adolescent internalizing and externalizing behaviors. However, adolescents did not self-report a significant decrease in symptoms. Results suggest that multifamily DBT skills group may be a feasible treatment in this population and speak to the importance of further research examining the implementation and dissemination of DBT with adolescents in a family context.