The study aims to assess the efficacy of culturally adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for addressing emotional dysregulation in a low- and middle-income country, as well as to evaluate the impact of DBT on secondary outcomes such as borderline personality traits, self-harm or suicide, depression, anxiety, and individuals' functioning and disability.
Through a rigorous Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), the research seeks to assess how cultural adaptations of dialectical behaviour therapy improve its applicability, engagement, and outcomes in diverse socio-cultural settings, contributing to more accessible and effective mental health interventions in resource-limited regions.
Adults aged 18-45 years
Adults who are diagnosed with or have significant traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Adults who are willing to provide written informed consent
Severe psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., active psychosis, substance use, etc.)
Acute medical conditions interfering with participation
Lack of basic reading and writing, or any learning disability
Parallel
Culturally adapted DBT
Other interventionParticipants will receive culturally translated and adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) materials that fit local cultural and linguistic contexts. Such material will include culturally relevant metaphors, examples, and mindfulness practices. Sessions will be conducted in the form of weekly group skills training (emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness), individual therapy sessions (1 hour/week), and telephone coaching as needed.
Emotional dysregulation
As measured through participants' scores on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 item version (DERS-16)
Self-harm or suicide
As measured through the participants' scores on the Self-Harm Inventory, as well as the presence of any suicide attempt in participants' history
Borderline traits
As assessed through participants' scores on the Gul Mahmood Borderline Personality Traits Scale (GMBPTS)
Depression and anxiety
As measured through participants' scores on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Functioning and disability
As assessed through the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
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