The DBT Coach mobile application as an adjunct to treatment for suicidal and self-injuring individuals with borderline personality disorder: A preliminary evaluation and challenges to client utilization.

摘要: Acquisition and generalization of specific behavioral skills is a key component dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). We examined the feasibility, acceptability, usability, immediate effects DBT Coach, mobile phone application (app) designed specifically to augment through interactive coaching in skills. In this pilot study, we provided Coach installed on device as an adjunct 6 months standard DBT, among sample 16 BPD recent history attempted suicide and/or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Results indicate good acceptability usability considerable between-person variability frequency app use median only 11.5 times over course treatment 3-month follow-up period. Using hierarchical linear modeling approach, analyses indicated reduced subjective distress urges self-harm following use. However, was not related any outcomes, except reductions NSSI. This study first examine technology highlights some potential challenges incorporating apps into treatment. Implications future research clinical utility are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record