DBT — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Dialectical behaviour therapy
The correct answer is **B, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)**. Comprehensive DBT is distinguished by four coordinated components: individual therapy, group skills training, between-session telephone coaching and a therapist consultation team. Its core skills domains are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Although DBT incorporates cognitive-behavioural methods, this complete package is more specific than generic CBT. Mentalisation-based therapy focuses on understanding one's own and others' mental states; schema therapy targets enduring maladaptive schemas; and cognitive analytical therapy uses collaborative reformulation and reciprocal-role procedures. NICE CG78 supports considering comprehensive DBT specifically for women with borderline personality disorder when reducing recurrent self-harm is a priority; it should not be described as a blanket NICE recommendation for every person with the diagnosis.
Reference: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), section ‘Components of DBT’, accessed 19 August 2026. https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/mental-health-and-learning-disabilities/intensive-psychological-therapies/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-dbt