Summary
Aim of the study. To review the newest scientific literature and assess the effect of dialectical behaviour therapy for adolescent self-harm.
Methods. Sources published in „PubMed“ database between 2015 and 2025 were analysed. Keywords, inclusion and exclusion criteria, research selection flowchart were used to select the studies.
Results. In this literature review, a total of 11 research papers were analysed and the total sample of all studies comprised 1924 participants. Different methods were applied to assess the effect of dialectical behaviour therapy: interviews with adolescents, analysis of patients’ diaries, questionnaires/scales, number of admissions to mental health facilities, analysis of medical data. All authors observed a positive impact of therapy on the frequency of nonsuicidal self-injury. 3 authors of randomized control trials compared suicide attempt frequency between dialectical behaviour therapy and control groups. In both cases, more than 70% respondents reached remission with dialectical behaviour therapy performing slightly better. Suicidal ideation frequency decreased significantly in 3 studies, for example, the median of suicidal ideation questionnaire (SIQ) decreased from 131 to 77 points after dialectical behaviour therapy program in Courtney et al. research. However, Syversen and Santamarina-Perez did not observe any statistically significant changes. Baudinet et al. reported a decrease in self-harm frequency from 64% to 18% among adolescents with eating disorders after radically open dialectical behaviour therapy.
Conclusions. Dialectical behaviour therapy is an effective method for reducing adolescent nonsuicidal self-harm. Evidence for dialectical behaviour therapy effect on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt frequency is weaker: some researchers do not observe any significant differences compared to other treatment approaches. Radically open dialectical behavioural therapy may be a suitable treatment method for self-harming adolescents with eating disorders.
