Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the Management of Suicidal Ideation & Deliberate Self-Harm: A Case Study from the Clinical Population in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behavior is one of the serious consequences of depression. Depression disrupts the daily life functioning including ability to think properly, planning, problem solving and decision-making. This happens because of excessively experiencing the negative emotions. Since decades several therapeutic interventions have been used for suicidal ideation and self-harming behavior management since decades i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavior therapy (Shekhani, et al., 2018). This case study utilized a form of therapy that is useful for the controlling suicide. A sample was taken for voluntary sessions to determine the efficacy of the dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) intervention in Pakistan. One of the patients was asked to participate as a case study for this qualitative study using a research method called case study after an informed consent. S.B was referred for assessment and treatment of a tendency for a suicidal attempt. The history of the presenting problem and suicidal urges were explored during an initial consultation. A considerable number of factors came into the surface that predicted the trend of suicide in the patient. Within three months, the patient reported decrease in suicidal ideation and self-harming behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy sessions were planned including skills training for emotional stability, obsessions and impulse control. Evaluation of the behavior at the end of this intervention had fruitful outcomes and better change in the patient’s condition. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale was used to measure the change after ten sessions, once a week of one hour each.