What does “evidence-based treatment” really mean?
If you researched any type of therapy or treatment, you probably came across the term “evidence-based”. So what does that actually mean?
To prove any type of therapy or treatment is effective, it needs to undergo rigorous research and scientific studies. This not only helps to prove the treatments are effective, but also safe to use and worthwhile to those undergoing treatment.
Treating mental health conditions is often a complex process and a variety of psychotherapy options are available. Some have a strong scientific background, while other treatments have little or no scientific evidence supporting them.
The criteria for determining evidence-based treatment is detailed and specific. Several scientific studies must support the idea that a particular therapy has a significant impact on an individual’s mental health outcomes. These studies need to be independent and performed from sources without a vested interest. In addition, the way these studies were conducted need to be reviewed to ensure they are unbiased.
For example, researchers may use a large group of people with a similar problem--depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, etc. During a study, the researchers randomly assign individuals to receive Treatment X or Treatment Y. If the results of the study deem Treatment X significantly more effective than Treatment Y, Treatment X may have the potential of becoming an evidence-based treatment. This is known as a randomized control trial (RTC).
As more independent studies are conducted supporting the effectiveness of Treatment X, it eventually becomes widely known as a best practice for a particular issue--otherwise known as evidence-based treatment.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) As An Evidence-Based Treatment
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a great example of evidence-based therapy. In fact, this form of psychotherapy has over thirty years of research to back its effectiveness.
What does the research suggest? According to an article in Psychiatric Times, the available research suggests DBT skills training can be effective as a stand-alone or complementary intervention for a broad range of mental health conditions.
The core of DBT assumes many individuals with personal struggles haven’t learned and developed effective behaviors to deal with their particular situation. These skills help an individual create a meaningful balance between accepting situations and creating change strategies.
In fact, DBT builds on another evidence-based treatment with over seventy years of research backing it--cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The acceptance aspect used in DBT actually helps the change strategies of CBT become more effective.
DBT skills training involves four modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. During DBT, clients work collaboratively with their therapist to identify target behaviors and develop skills to decrease negative behaviors and cultivate positive approaches to life’s stressors.
These skills are taught and practiced during group and/or individual therapy and help reduce the length of time an individual needs therapy. In general, DBT usually follows a one year program of weekly meetings. Some individuals, however, may complete the program sooner.
Who Does DBT Help?
The wealth of research related to DBT suggests it is a safe and effective therapy for a diverse population. In fact, sample studies from people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities indicate DBT’s widespread effectiveness.
DBT has effectively shown to help those with everything from depression to anxiety, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, eating disorders, and other self-harming behaviors.
In addition, DBT has proven its cross-cultural value. Several other countries have conducted randomized controlled trials (RTCs) including Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Spain, and Taiwan.
For example, a longitudinal study in Germany examined the outcomes of patients undergoing outpatient DBT treatment. After four years, those that completed the 12 months of DBT therapy showed a significant improvement in self-injurious behaviors, inpatient hospital stays, psychopathology, and severity of borderline symptoms.
DBT...The Evidence Speaks For Itself
As you can see, DBT has decades of research backing it as a safe, effective therapy for individuals with a variety of mental health challenges. Throughout the world, DBT has established itself as a worthwhile evidence-based treatment providing an opportunity for true personal change.