The effectiveness of emotional regulation and mindfulness techniques based on dialectical behavior therapy in improving self-harm and Substance abuse in borderline personality disorder

Background and aims: Self-injury and substance abuse in people with borderline personality disorder can lead to serious harm to themselves and those around them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness and emotion regulation therapy based on dialectical behavior therapy on substance abuse and self-injury in people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: This research was conducted using a single-case experimental design (SCED) of the multiple baseline type, consisting of eight one-hour sessions for three patients, followed by a one-month follow-up period. The statistical population included patients diagnosed with PBD. Three individuals were selected based on their voluntary participation and adherence to the research criteria, utilizing targeted and available sampling methods. Inclusion was based on a psychiatrist's diagnosis and a structured clinical interview. They received dialectical behavior therapy based on emotion regulation and mindfulness for eight sessions. Data were collected using the Risky Behaviors Questionnaire by Mohammadkhani and the Personality Assessment Inventory Borderline Features Scale (PAI-BFS). Results: Data analysis, presented through graphs and tables for SCED, indicated that mindfulness and emotion regulation interventions based on dialectical behavior therapy resulted in significant changes. The effect sizes for the first subject in the variables of self-harm and substance abuse were 4.526 and 2.260, respectively; for the second subject, they were 6.253 and 6.772; and for the third subject, they were 3.651 and 6.134. Conclusion: This treatment method has led to statistically significant improvements in the symptoms of substance abuse and self-harm among patients with BPD.