Teenage years are characterised by significant biological, psychological, and social changes, as well as a desire for independence, autonomy, identity creation, and peer acceptability. Such a transitional age is characterized by high levels of emotional difficulties and turmoil. According to a study published in the Family Practice Journal of Oxford University Press, approximately 15% of adolescents experience mental health or psychiatric disorders at any given time.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an emotion-regulation-focused therapeutic approach that can aid teenagers with the skills and capabilities to navigate through these intense emotional challenges. In this article, we will delve into understanding Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, get an overview of its brief history
Also Read: Positive Psychotherapy: A Unique Approach to Mental Health
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy or talk therapy method aimed at regulating intense emotions, acceptance and mindfulness of these emotions as well as improving interpersonal capabilities. Originally, DBT was formulated to treat Bipolar disorder (BPD) but over the years it has been administered to treat other mental health disorders as well, like Suicidal behaviour, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorder, Substance abuse disorder and even Depression.
DBT involves individual therapy sessions, skills training group sessions, phone coaching and a therapist consultation team. In individual therapy, the therapist assists the client in applying the skills they have learned to their specific issues and goals. While in the skills training group, the client learns the skills in a disciplined and supportive setting with other people who have similar issues. Further, in phone coaching, the client is allowed to contact the therapist between sessions for advice on how to use the skills in a crisis. Lastly, in the therapist consultation team, the therapist meets with other DBT therapists to receive feedback and support.
Brief History of DBT
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a type of cognitive behavioural treatment that was primarily created for adult women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and a history of chronic suicidal conduct. It was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Marsha M. Linehan. DBT combines change-focused and acceptance-focused techniques based on its premise.
Linehan started developing DBT by attempting to apply behavioural theory and change strategies to clients who presented with BPD and suicidal behaviour. Several obstacles arose for her throughout the early stages of therapeutic development. Clients were frequently non-collaborative in sessions, failed to complete agreed-upon homework assignments, and frequently did not return for subsequent treatment sessions at all.
Linehan hypothesised that these ‘therapy-interfering behaviours’ evolved as a result of clients seeing the significant emphasis on modifying emotions, ideas, and behaviours as invalidating. As clients frequently believe they are incapable of changing, the concept of a treatment predicated on transformation is inherently incorrect. In response to these issues, she sought a philosophical/theoretical approach that placed a significant focus on acceptance. The acceptance-based components of DBT are founded on Zen concepts and practice. Linehan, thus, employs dialectical theory to accommodate these two contrasting approaches.
Impact of deteriorating mental health on teenagers
Poor mental health arises as a key obstacle in the unpredictable path of adolescence, casting a shadow on the lives of countless teens. The consequences may be extremely disruptive, affecting not just their current lives but also moulding their future paths. Poor mental health in teens has far-reaching repercussions. It negatively affects academics and interpersonal relationships. In severe cases, there are signs of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior.
Academic Performance
The academic performance of adolescents with depression is commonly the foremost sign of deteriorating mental health. Concentration difficulties, tiredness, and a constant sensation of sadness can all interfere with their ability to engage effectively in scholastics. Poor mental health in teens is linked to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and alienation.
Social Isolation and Addiction
Depression, anxiety, or even low self-esteem can make social connections seem impossible, leading to retreat from friends, family, and crucial support networks. Adolescents with mental health issues have been proven to engage in more “risk-taking behaviour”. Especially, during their time of exploration and experimentation.
Cigarette smoking, for example, has been linked to a greater incidence of depression and anxiety. Since 1990, the incidence of drug abuse has grown in the majority of developed countries. Depression, thoughts of suicide, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic disorder, and anxiety, are all more likely in teenagers who use drugs. Researchers suggest a co-existence between mental illness and substance abuse.
Role of DBT
Teaching adolescents skills in four essential areas is one of the main components of DBT. These areas include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
1. Mindfulness:
The first skill taught in DBT is mindfulness, which helps adolescents become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and sensations in the present moment without judgment. By grounding themselves in the present, adolescents can obtain a better knowledge of their emotions. This process helps them develop the capacity to respond appropriately rather than react impulsively.
2. Distress tolerance:
Distress tolerance, on the other hand, provides coping skills for teens to handle and tolerate stressful situations without turning to self-destructive behaviours. This is especially important for teenagers who may engage in impulsive behaviours such as self-harm or drug misuse to cope with overwhelming emotions.
3. Emotion Regulation:
Emotion regulation skills teach teenagers how to recognise, comprehend, and manage their emotions in a healthy and adaptable way. They can learn to recognise the factors that cause emotional dysregulation and utilise skills to properly control and modulate their emotions with DBT.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness Abilities
Furthermore, DBT places a high value on interpersonal effectiveness abilities. Teenagers can acquire effective communication skills through DBT. They receive training in assertiveness and problem-solving strategies. This enables them to develop better and more rewarding relationships with their friends, family, and other important people in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the roller coaster ride that one’s teenage years can be, prioritisation of mental well-being is of utmost importance. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is an effective approach that equips teenagers with strategies and capabilities to effectively deal with such a transitional phase. During the vulnerable phase of adolescence, caregivers must recognize, help and follow up with teenagers about their mental well-being.
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