Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in a Case of Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a structured therapy that combines CBT and mindfulness to help manage intense emotions and improve coping skills, that was originally designed for adult women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and a background of persistent suicidal behavior. To understand and evaluate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on mixed anxiety and depressive disorder using a single-subject design by comparing the pre- and post- intervention data. A single case study report design was used for a clinical intervention based pre and post assessment for evaluating the effectiveness of DBT in a case of the diagnosis F41.2 Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder. Assessments such as, Beck anxiety inventory, Beck depression inventory, Sacks sentence completion test and Rorschach psychodiagnostic test were used for the comparison of pre and post intervention symptoms severity in the patient. DBT techniques like, mindfulness skills, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness were used during the intervention at CIIMHANS, Dewada, Chhattisgarh. Result & Conclusion: Clinical psychology treatments for mixed anxiety and depressive disorder focus on thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and social context. An integrated approach is key to lasting recovery and improved quality of life.