Dialectical behavior therapy skills training for generalized anxiety disorder: Considering the value of adapting something new versus improving what works

• Published in: Clinical psychology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2020-12, Vol.27 (4), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Wilks, Chelsey R., Ward-Ciesielski, Erin F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ability; Anxiety disorders; Behavior modification; Behavior therapy; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Evidence Based Practice; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Training
• ISSN: 0969-5893; 1468-2850
• DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12346

Comments on an article by B. L Malivoire (see record 2020-28631-001). Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a pervasive, debilitating, and difficult to treat disorder for which only a fraction of those afflicted receive quality evidence-based treatment. The most well researched and widely disseminated intervention for GAD is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT); however, Malivoire (2020) highlights that less than half of those treated with CBT obtain clinically significant reduction in symptoms. Malivoire describes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training as a potential solution that may target GAD more effectively than traditional CBT. An important benefit of DBT skills training is that it is delivered in a group format, which may increase access to treatment relative to individually delivered CBT. Nonetheless, while DBT skills training may provide a novel approach to treat individuals diagnosed with GAD, there is inconsistent evidence that DBT is optimal for the treatment of anxiety disorders, and the true novelties of DBT are its capacity to treat clinically complex and high-risk patients along with its potential to be delivered at scale. Malivoire suggests DBT skills training rather than standard model DBT, which may provide a more appropriate dose to patients with less complex behavioral disorders. In addition, DBT skills training is far more disseminable as it can be delivered in a group format and even online. However, this does not address the ineffectualness of DBT for anxiety disorders, as DBT skills training, like standard DBT, does not include formal exposure skills. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)