Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This chapter provides a description and reviews the research evidence for the adaptation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for eating disorders (EDs). First, the chapter briefly describes the standard DBT program as originally developed for women with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Second, the rationale for the adaptation of DBT for EDs is reviewed. Third, the DBT model of maintenance and etiology of EDs is discussed. Fourth, the randomized controlled trial evidence for DBT for BPD is reviewed as well as that for DBT for EDs. Finally, the DBT program for EDs is outlined. It is concluded that DBT is a promising treatment for EDs, worthy of further investigation with this population.