Doctor of Health Science / The public mental health setting wherein clinicians work with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) provides a continual challenge for clinicians. For many decades a pervasive therapeutic pessimism has surrounded any discussions of attempts to work with clients with BPD with this population being viewed as ‘too difficult’ and ‘impossible to work with’. This pessimism and the ensuing counter therapeutic responses have been well documented in the psychiatric literature. The development of treatments such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a cognitive-behavioural therapy, for BPD has provided a basis for therapy for which there is increasing evidence of successful outcomes. Despite this evidence, the pervasive pessimism has been slow to lift. A limited literature explores attempts to positively influence clinician responses to this clientele. Within the public mental health service in which this research is based, DBT is well-established as a therapeutic modality. In the course of providing training, consultation and supervision for parts of this service, anecdotal evidence emerged suggesting that the impact of practising as a DBT therapist was greater than anticipated and DBT may provide a tool for facilitating a positive change in clinician responses. Given that this perception is not described in the literature it was appropriate to begin research in this area employing a qualitative methodology. This research explored the experience and impact upon mental health clinicians in a public mental health service undertaking training in DBT and practicing as DBT therapists. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted in July 2005 with clinicians practising as DBT therapists. Data analysis revealed a marked shift in perspective from ‘management to treatment’. Participants described positive professional and personal impacts of training and practising as DBT therapists. An enhanced capacity for self-awareness and ‘living life to the full’ was described by a number of participants. This initial research suggests that the practice of DBT by clinicians can generate a positive shift in both personal and professional identities that translates into a more optimistic and humanistic approach to clients diagnosed with BPD. Such a change may represent a significant challenge to the prevailing mental health discourse and practice

Hemuppgiften är ett viktigt moment inom såväl Funktionell familjeterapi (FFT) som Dialektisk beteendeterapi (DBT). Målsättningen med denna uppsats var att utröna om, och i sådana fall på vilket sätt, hemuppgifter ges inom den familjeterapeutiska kontext som utgör ramen för FFT. En hypotes vid arbetets ingång var att de interaktionistiska hemuppgifterna kommit att ersättas av de mer beteendeorienterade som ingår i DBT. De personer som utgjort underlag för undersökningen arbetar alla på en öppenvårdsmottagning inom Barn- och ungdomspsykiatrin (BUP) i Uppsala, med antingen ovan nämnda Funktionella familjeterapi (n=3) eller med Dialektisk beteendeterapi (n=2). Syftet med studien var att, dels via en enkätundersökning dels via en intervju i fokusgruppform, försöka förstå mer av det psykoterapeutiska redskap som utgörs av hemuppgiften. Fokus låg på den relationella hemuppgift som familjeterapeuterna tillhörande nämnda team förväntas konstruera utifrån tillhandahållen FFT-manual. Resultatet visade på en relativt stor bredd när det gällde terapeuternas syn på och tillämpning av hemuppgiften, men det generella mönstret pekade på att terapeuterna i sitt praktiska arbete konstruerade såväl relationella som beteendeorienterade hemuppgifter. Vad som framkom är dock ett behov av och en önskan från familjeterapeuternas sida om en större tydlighet kring hur man går tillväga då man fastställer och ger en familj en relationellt orienterad hemuppgift. Det vi sluter oss till i vår uppsats är att ett sådant förtydligande inte låter sig göras med mindre än att man går till botten med och definierar vad funktionen av relationen innebär samt hur man använder sig av denna vid det som inom Funktionell familjeterapi kallas för relationsbedömningen. / The homework is an important part of both Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The goal of this essay has been to determine if, and in what way, homework is used in the context of family therapy, that is the frame of FFT. One hypothesis at the beginning of this work was that the interactional home assignments have started to be replaced by the behavior oriented ones that are a part of DBT. The individuals participating in the study are all working in a psychiatric outpatient clinic (BUP) in Uppsala. They are all using either Functional Family Therapy (n=3) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n=2) as treatment methods. The purpose of the study has been to try to understand more of the homework as a therapeutic instrument, especially the relational homework that family therapists are expected to work out on the basis of a manual that is provided within FFT. Two methods have been used to examine this: a survey and focus group interview. The results show a relatively large width when it comes to the therapists view on and practice of homework, though the general pattern indicates that they work out both relational as well as behavior oriented assignments in their practical work. However, there is a need and a wish of the family therapists to gain more clarity on how to determine and give a family a relational oriented homework. The conclusion of this essay is that a clarification like that is not possible, unless you go to the bottom with and define what the relational function is and how to use it in what within Functional Family Therapy is called the Relational Assessment Phase.

Doctor of Health Science / The public mental health setting wherein clinicians work with clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) provides a continual challenge for clinicians. For many decades a pervasive therapeutic pessimism has surrounded any discussions of attempts to work with clients with BPD with this population being viewed as ‘too difficult’ and ‘impossible to work with’. This pessimism and the ensuing counter therapeutic responses have been well documented in the psychiatric literature. The development of treatments such as dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), a cognitive-behavioural therapy, for BPD has provided a basis for therapy for which there is increasing evidence of successful outcomes. Despite this evidence, the pervasive pessimism has been slow to lift. A limited literature explores attempts to positively influence clinician responses to this clientele. Within the public mental health service in which this research is based, DBT is well-established as a therapeutic modality. In the course of providing training, consultation and supervision for parts of this service, anecdotal evidence emerged suggesting that the impact of practising as a DBT therapist was greater than anticipated and DBT may provide a tool for facilitating a positive change in clinician responses. Given that this perception is not described in the literature it was appropriate to begin research in this area employing a qualitative methodology. This research explored the experience and impact upon mental health clinicians in a public mental health service undertaking training in DBT and practicing as DBT therapists. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted in July 2005 with clinicians practising as DBT therapists. Data analysis revealed a marked shift in perspective from ‘management to treatment’. Participants described positive professional and personal impacts of training and practising as DBT therapists. An enhanced capacity for self-awareness and ‘living life to the full’ was described by a number of participants. This initial research suggests that the practice of DBT by clinicians can generate a positive shift in both personal and professional identities that translates into a more optimistic and humanistic approach to clients diagnosed with BPD. Such a change may represent a significant challenge to the prevailing mental health discourse and practice

This thesis explores the use of adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/D). DBT is a multi-modal psychological intervention that aims to increase skills in interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and mindfulness. It was initially developed for individuals who presented with parasuicidal behaviours, and is recommended for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This thesis is presented in five papers; a systematic literature review, three empirical papers (a, b &c), and a critical review and reflection of the research process. The systematic literature review provides a narrative review of published research regarding the adaptations and outcomes of DBT for individuals with ID/D. Seven studies were reviewed using the Evaluative Method for Determining Evidence Based Practice (EBP) (Reichow, 2011). The findings detail the adaptations, results and critical appraisal of the research to date. The empirical papers consider the outcomes of adults with ID/D who received adapted DBT in a community psychological therapies service. The papers present different methodologies, and combined produce a consilience of evidence regarding the suitability of DBT for this population. Paper 2a found significant reductions on measures of depression, anxiety and anger, and increased mindfulness skills amongst 18 participants following DBT. Paper 2b uses repertory grid technique to explore the psychological changes that occur following DBT for seven participants, and found overall changes in personal construing and improvements in self-esteem. Paper 2c considers the psychological changes that occur in further depth through the presentation of two case studies. The case studies consider the complexity and idiosyncrasy of the individuals and gives consideration to the use of repertory grids to identify implicative dilemmas as part of clinical assessments. The final paper provides a critical review with personal reflections of the thesis. The author considers the research and clinical implications of the study.

La tesis doctoral que nos ocupa se enmarca dentro de la Psicología Clínica. Esta tesis tiene como objetivo principal realizar un estudio controlado con el fin de probar la eficacia de un programa de tratamiento (Terapia Dialéctica Comportamental, DBT) para la comorbilidad entre el trastorno límite de la personalidad y los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (anorexia y bulimia nerviosas). Estas patologías, cuando se presentan de forma comórbida constituyen una problemática de muy difícil manejo. Por ello, son necesarios estudios para mejorar las intervenciones para estos problemas. La tesis se estructura en un marco teórico y un marco experimental. El marco teórico revisa y expone con claridad los estudios sobre el tema de la tesis doctoral. La estructura del marco experimental sigue el proceso del método científico: formulación de los objetivos e hipótesis, diseño del estudio experimental, recogida y análisis de los datos, interpretación y discusión de los resultados y obtención de las conclusiones. Las conclusiones de esta tesis doctoral constituyen una contribución al tratamiento de la comorbilidad entre el trastorno límite de la personalidad y trastornos alimentarios. Los datos señalan que el protocolo de tratamiento DBT fue más eficaz que el tratamiento estándar, indicando por tanto que la DBT es una intervención eficaz para pacientes con esta patología.

Background People with psychiatric problems, despite efforts in recent decades still experience vulnerability. Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), where self-harm is common, often live in difficult and complex social relationships because of their illness. Additional knowledge and studies about mental illness, self-harm, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and the therapeutic alliance are needed. Purpose and Method This study aims to examine how staff perceive and describe: DBT as a treatment method; the therapeutic alliance and the importance it has for treatment. The study utilises a qualitative approach with a qualitative content analysis method and presents earlier research on DBT and the therapeutic alliance. The empirical material consists of focus group interviews comprising three DBT - teams. The theoretical framework is based on attachment theory which addresses the dynamics of close relationships and how we act in them. Results Results show that DBT - teams describe patients with self-harm as vulnerable. Here, self-harm represents a way to reduce aggression and make life bearable. DBT is produced as a collaboration between therapist and patient, giving patients the opportunity for a new secure attachment to achieve self-respect and a meaningful life. The teams assess DBT as successful and effective. The therapeutic alliance is seen as an emotional and social interaction and is considered the most important tool in the treatment. Conclusions Patients who self-harm and have emotional difficulties may indicate insecure and lack of attachments. Through DBT, trust and confidence are trained and developed to enhance attachment patterns and move the process forward. New aspects emerge such as the significant role of relatives and the team and the importance of feeling hope in both the patient and the therapist. Furthermore, the health professional’s knowledge of the BPD diagnosis affects the care and the treatment of the patients and thus the patients’ possibility to live better lives. In a broader discussion of health determinants, health care, early intervention, cooperation and long-term measures are assessed to be important factors for promoting health and good living conditions for the patients.

Critical Review of the LiteratureCan Borderline Personality Disorder be treated effectively in forensic settings? A systematic reviewBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a common diagnosis in forensic settings. Certain features of BPD, such as impulsivity and emotional dysregulation, can create a vulnerability to impulsive acts. The condition is also associated with poor mental and physical health, making the treatment of BPD and its clinical features an important goal in forensic settings. This paper reviews evidence for the effectiveness of treating BPD and its symptoms using psychological approaches in forensic settings. A systematic search found 2913 papers, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. The papers reported nine separate studies (six controlled) that implemented four distinct interventions, often adapted for particular forensic settings. Improvements in overall BPD symptomatology and specific BPD symptoms were reported for all types of intervention, although few differences in outcome between intervention and control groups were found. There were also reported improvements in BPD-related behaviours, but data on offending behaviour were absent. Heterogeneity in study quality and design makes it challenging to draw any firm conclusions about the effectiveness of any one form of treatment over another, nor about which treatment may best suit a particular setting. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to answer these questions. Service Improvement ProjectEvaluation of a brief educational intervention for clinical staff aimed at promoting trauma-informed approaches to careThere is growing evidence that trauma plays an important role in the aetiology of severe and enduring mental health problems. Yet staff can be reluctant to ask patients about trauma for reasons such as anxiety about harming patients and limited access to training. Where services have adopted trauma-informed approaches (TIAs) to mental health care (i.e., considering the ways in which trauma affects individuals when planning and delivering services), improved clinical outcomes have been observed. With this in mind, a new educational video was developed for mental health staff at an NHS trust. The video was intended to be (a) brief (10 minutes); (b) contemporary and engaging; and (c) accessible using computers, smartphones and tablets. Forty-one multidisciplinary staff viewed the video. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicated improvements in self-reported knowledge and confidence with regard to trauma, and a decrease in worries with regard to asking patients about such experiences. Participants found the video to be enjoyable, understandable and informative. Importantly, many indicated that it spurred them to further action, such as further training and asking patients about possible trauma. These findings indicate that a video of this type can offer an important ‘taster’ of trauma-related learning, constituting an important step towards embedding trauma-informed ways of working at a service. Main Research ProjectThe Role of Intrusive Imagery in Hoarding DisorderThe cardinal feature of Hoarding Disorder (HD) is persistent difficulty discarding possessions, with the resulting clutter compromising the intended use of living areas. Within the dominant cognitive-behavioural model of hoarding (Frost & Hartl, 1996), hoarding behaviours are positively and negatively reinforced in the context of certain object-related beliefs. Available treatments for HD have so far yielded modest outcomes, indicating a need for new approaches. Intrusive imagery has so far been neglected in HD research, despite the frequency of trauma in the histories of people with the condition. To address this, 27 individuals who met the DSM-5 criteria for HD and 28 community controls (CCs) were interviewed about their everyday experiences of mental imagery. Participants were also asked about the images they experienced during two recent real-life examples of actual or attempted discard of (1) an object of low subjective value; and (2) an object of high subjective value. Everyday imagery in the HD group commonly reflected themes of illness, death and reminiscence. Imagery in HD participants tended to carry negative emotional valence in comparison with CCs, and was associated with greater interference in everyday life and attempts to avoid the imagery. HD participants reported more negative experiences of intrusive imagery in comparison with CCs during recent episodes of discarding objects of low subjective value. However, HD participants experienced positive imagery when discarding, or trying to discard, high value objects. These findings indicate that although people with HD frequently report traumatic histories, this is not reflected in the everyday imagery that they experience. There is some evidence to suggest that the negative and positive memories experienced in relation to low and high value objects may aid our understanding of discarding and saving behaviour in HD. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are further discussed.