DBT: what the research says

UK guidance suggests specialist DBT for women with borderline personality disorder who self-harm. Other uses are not well studied.

What a session is

A structured talking therapy that teaches skills to cope with very strong emotions, balancing acceptance of how you feel with working on change. Full programmes mix one-to-one and group sessions.

What the research says

• Managing very intense emotions: UK guidance suggests a full DBT programme for women with borderline personality disorder when cutting self-harm is a priority. Studies were small. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2009 · Cochrane, 2020 · NHS, 2022
• For young people who self-harm: For young people: UK guidance suggests DBT adapted for teenagers who self-harm often and struggle with very strong emotions. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2022
• Low mood, worry, stress, grief, sleep, menopause, pain: Not studied for these needs in the sources we use. The NHS offers DBT mainly for personality disorders, given by specialist teams. No good evidence yet · NHS, 2025

Is it safe?

If you self-harm or feel unsafe, contact your GP or emergency services; this kind of DBT is given by specialist teams. Full NHS programmes include an out-of-hours contact number. NICE, 2009 · NHS, 2022

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.