Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Dissociative Symptoms in PTSD: Clinical Challenges and Successes.

Abstract

In this clinical contribution, we describe the application of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for managing dissociative symptoms in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examine how DBT, a treatment originally designed for life-threatening behaviors, can be tailored to address the complex needs of PTSD patients with dissociative symptoms. Through clinical vignettes, we illustrate the application of DBT modifications that enhance emotional stabilization, integrate mindfulness, and build distress tolerance to manage dissociative episodes. The vignettes demonstrate both the challenges encountered and the therapeutic breakthroughs achieved. We discuss how integrating DBT into trauma-informed care frameworks can improve emotional regulation and resilience, highlighting the therapy's effectiveness in fostering recovery and emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment strategies for trauma-related dissociation.