A Modified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence With Intellectual Disabilities: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012098176
Author(s):  
Rory T. Newlands ◽  
Lorraine T. Benuto
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Clinical Complexity ◽  
Informed Treatment

Women with intellectual disabilities are at a greater risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. While there is a dearth of research dedicated to the treatment of this population experts recommend behavioral based treatments. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with low cognitive functioning who presented for treatment for depression and PTSD in relation to IPV victimization. An adapted version of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed treatment for victims of IPV was used to successfully treat the client. Several factors were considered in the development and delivery of the treatment, relevant to the client’s cognitive deficits and clinical complexity. This study suggests that (1) a modified DBT informed treatment can be successfully implemented with this population; (2) providing individual treatment with additional time to review skills is beneficial; (3) handouts and homework should be modified to increase understanding and retention; and (4) issues of self-esteem and validation should be addressed every session.

scholarly journals The impact of depressive symptoms on response to integrated cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders and intimate partner violence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lourah M. Kelly ◽  
Cory A. Crane ◽  
Kristyn Zajac ◽  
Caroline J. Easton
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Past studies demonstrated the efficacy of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorder (SUD) and intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as high rates of depressive symptoms in this population. However, little is known about how depressive symptoms impact treatment outcomes. The authors hypothesized that integrated CBT, but not standard drug counseling (DC), would buffer the negative effects of depressive symptoms on treatment response. Design/methodology/approach A secondary analysis of a randomized trial compared men assigned to 12 weeks of integrated CBT for SUD and IPV (n = 29) to those in DC (n = 34). Findings Most (60%) of the sample reported any depressive symptoms. Controlling for baseline IPV, reporting any depressive symptoms was associated with more positive cocaine screens during treatment. Among men with depressive symptoms, integrated CBT but not DC was associated with fewer positive cocaine screens. Controlling for baseline alcohol variables, integrated CBT and depressive symptoms were each associated with less aggression outside of intimate relationships (family, strangers, etc.) during treatment. For men without depressive symptoms, integrated CBT was associated with less non-IPV aggression compared to DC. Effects were not significant for other substances, IPV, or at follow-up. Research limitations/implications This study found some evidence for differential response to CBT by depressive symptoms on cocaine and aggression at end of treatment, which did not persist three months later. Future studies should explore mechanisms of integrated CBT for SUD and IPV, including mood regulation, on depressive symptoms in real-world samples. Practical implications Integrated CBT buffered depressive symptoms’ impact on cocaine use, yet only improved non-IPV aggression in men without depressive symptoms. Originality/value Although integrated CBT’s efficacy for improving SUD and IPV has been established, moderators of treatment response have not been investigated.

Concurrent Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Trichotillomania From an Emotion Regulation Framework: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012096458
Author(s):  
Jena B. Casas ◽  
Daniel R. Szoke ◽  
Lorraine T. Benuto
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Emotional Dysregulation ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Concurrent Treatment

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience a vast array of emotional and behavioral consequences, including difficulties in areas related to emotion regulation, and they often qualify for comorbid psychological diagnoses. Although a modified version of DBT has been examined as a treatment for survivors of IPV experiencing emotional dysregulation, there has been little mention of how to treat comorbid disorders among this population. Given that body focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB’s), such as trichotillomania, can be conceptualized as poor coping mechanisms to soothe dysregulated emotions, it seems beneficial to understand how to treat these diagnoses in the context of IPV sequelae. To date, there are limited examinations of DBT enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for those suffering from IPV exposure and trichotillomania. The following case provides a successful example for how and why such therapy can be conducted for the treatment of comorbid diagnoses following IPV exposure.

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