DBT Orientation — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyPsychotherapyDBT OrientationMRCPsych Paper B

A structured psychotherapy combines validation and mindfulness with behavioural analysis, skills training, contingency management and between-session telephone coaching. Which therapy is described?

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Correct answer: B — Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

The answer is B, dialectical behaviour therapy. DBT uses a dialectical balance between acceptance-based strategies, including validation and mindfulness, and behavioural strategies directed towards change. Comprehensive DBT is multimodal and typically includes individual therapy, group-based skills training, between-session telephone coaching and a therapist consultation team. Generic CBT includes cognitive and behavioural change methods but does not necessarily provide this characteristic DBT package or dialectical balance. MBT primarily aims to improve understanding of one’s own and other people’s mental states. Schema therapy targets maladaptive schemas using cognitive, behavioural and experiential methods, while psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses more on unconscious conflict and relational patterns.

Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management (CG78), full guideline, section 5.7.1, Description of psychological therapy programmes. 2009; guideline last reviewed 30 July 2024. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg78/evidence/bpd-full-guideline-242147197