[FeelingOpaque]

d like to hear from those that have/ are in DBT, or whatever other form of therapy for BPD to find out exactly how effective these treatments are at treating BPD.

I was diagnosed almost 4 years ago and remember having this as long as i can remember - and its getting worse. I used to cut, around 4 years ago, but dont anymore.

I have been looking into the different treatment options recently to find out what can be done and have read alot about DBT, but the data backing it seem unclear in that it claims to treat the symptoms of a disorder in the nuerology of the brain by creating tools for individuals to use to control the symptoms. Many websites claim that it can 'cure' it in that if you were reevaluated you would no longer be considered as having BPD - which sounds ridiculous to me.

It also seems that DBT simply gives you the tools to ignore/ hide the emotions you feel while these swings of emotion continue to happen.

Can anyone clarify this for me? How effective is it really?

Originally Posted by FeelingOpaque

It also seems that DBT simply gives you the tools to ignore/ hide the emotions you feel while these swings of emotion continue to happen.

I'm not so sure I would describe it quite that way. While I take CBT the two behavioural therapies share some commonalities. I wouldn't say the tools are used to ignore/hide emotions. I would describe this more as mechanisms with which to challenge the negative thinking styles. They remain there - you can't ignore them - it is just that you become skilled at coming up with alternative positive thoughts to outweigh them.

[Trippin2.0]

You are not taught to ignore or hide them no, you learn skills to react to them in a healthier manner.

Once your healthier reactions become second nature, its been noted that some folks either don't meet the criterion for the dx any longer, or only display traits.

[Travelinglady]

I went through two programs of DBT, plus other therapy, and no longer meet the criteria for BPD. DBT helps people control their emotions and learn healthier ways of reacting to life's challenges and skills to use in dealing with basic situations. I also had therapy dealing with the intense anger I felt for childhood abuse. So, it can work. But the person has to be very motivated and work hard. There's even "homework."

[StrawberryAnnie]

DBT has helped me tremendously. It doesn't label your thoughts and emotions as good or bad, just acknowledges them. It teaches you how to tolerate extreme emotions and urges, and balances acceptance vs. change. You first focus on life threatening behaviors, therapy interfering, and so on. It has been very effective for me. There is more info on Marsha Linehan's website behavioraltech.org -- she is the one who creared it.