Service user experience of adapted dialectical behaviour therapy in a community adult mental health setting

Background: Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a skill-based cognitive behavioural treatment, is increasingly used in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Aims: The study examined service users' perspective on the effectiveness of an adapted DBT programme, delivered within a community adult mental health setting. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with eight participants with a diagnosis of BPD about their experience of the programme. Results: Thematic analysis focused on two key themes: evaluation of therapy and treatment impact. Therapy-specific factors and personal challenges emerged as important themes. Treatment impact raised issues relating to a renewed sense of identity and changes in daily life. Conclusions: The study describes the positive and negative experiences of service users with BPD attending an adapted DBT programme.