Abstract

More than half of patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder have made at least one suicide attempt during their lifetime and 70% have been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in patients with borderline personality disorder. Methods: Using a retrospective observational design, the number of suicide attempt and psychiatric hospitalizations was measured pre and post DBT treatment. Data from 144 patients from Dialectical Behavior Therapy Unit at Hospital Salvador in Santiago de Chile was analyzed during 2006 and 2012. The data were gathered from electronic files of clinical records, a OQ-45.2 questionnaire and telephone calls. Results: The Wilcoxon statistical test showed a significant difference (p = 0.000) in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations pre and post-treatment, as well as a reduction (p = 0.000) in the number of post-treatment suicide attempt. Conclusion: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy was effective in the 3 studied events in the selected population.