DBT DBT for Specific Populations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is DBT adapted for clients with intellectual disabilities?
- Standard DBT is used without changes
- Simplified language, visual aids, shorter sessions, and caregiver involvement are commonly used adaptations (Correct answer)
- Only mindfulness skills are taught
- DBT is not appropriate for clients with intellectual disabilities
Correct answer: Simplified language, visual aids, shorter sessions, and caregiver involvement are commonly used adaptations
DBT for clients with intellectual disabilities typically involves simplified language and materials, shorter session lengths, use of visual aids, and involvement of caregivers in skills training.
Question 2: What is DBT PE (DBT + Prolonged Exposure), and when is it used?
- A form of DBT for public speaking anxiety
- A protocol integrating DBT skills with prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD after Stage 1 DBT goals are achieved (Correct answer)
- An intensive outpatient program combining DBT and physical exercise
- An exposure-based approach to overcoming avoidance of skills practice
Correct answer: A protocol integrating DBT skills with prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD after Stage 1 DBT goals are achieved
DBT PE combines DBT with prolonged exposure for PTSD, and is typically initiated after Stage 1 DBT goals are met to ensure the client is stable enough for trauma processing.
Question 3: Which population was DBT first adapted for after its original development for BPD?
- Children with ADHD
- Substance use disorders (Correct answer)
- Geriatric depression
- Autism spectrum disorder
Correct answer: Substance use disorders
One of the earliest adaptations of DBT was for substance use disorders (DBT-SUD), developed by Linehan and colleagues in the 1990s.
Question 4: What does research suggest about DBT's effectiveness with adolescent suicidality?
- DBT is not more effective than standard care for adolescents
- DBT-A has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harm in adolescents (Correct answer)
- DBT worsens suicidality in adolescent populations
- DBT has not been studied in adolescent populations
Correct answer: DBT-A has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and self-harm in adolescents
Research has consistently shown that DBT-A reduces suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescent populations compared to standard care.
Question 5: How does DBT address the needs of transgender and gender-diverse clients?
- Standard DBT is applied without modification
- Adaptations may include affirming language, addressing minority stress, and integrating gender-affirming care goals (Correct answer)
- DBT is not recommended for gender-diverse clients
- Only the mindfulness module is relevant for gender-diverse clients
Correct answer: Adaptations may include affirming language, addressing minority stress, and integrating gender-affirming care goals
Culturally responsive DBT for transgender and gender-diverse clients involves affirming language, addressing minority stress and stigma, and potentially integrating gender-affirming goals into treatment.
Question 6: What is the rationale for including family members in DBT-A treatment?
- To monitor the adolescent's compliance with treatment
- Adolescents live in family systems where patterns of invalidation often persist, and family involvement promotes generalization of skills (Correct answer)
- To reduce therapist liability
- To reduce treatment costs by seeing multiple clients at once
Correct answer: Adolescents live in family systems where patterns of invalidation often persist, and family involvement promotes generalization of skills
Family involvement in DBT-A is based on the biosocial theory — families may unknowingly maintain invalidating patterns, and involving them helps change these patterns and generalize skills.
DBT DBT for Specific Populations 2
How is DBT adapted for clients with intellectual disabilities?