College Students Who Self-Harm

College Students Who Self-Harm: An Intervention Study

Study Aims/Objectives:

This projects' Primary Aim is development of a Condensed DBT Stepped Care Model tailored to the unique requirements of students meeting sub-clinical diagnostic criteria for BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) with its associated high rate of self-harm and suicide.

Study Aims/Objectives:

This projects' Primary Aim is development of a Condensed DBT Stepped Care Model tailored to the unique requirements of students meeting sub-clinical diagnostic criteria for BPD with its associated high rate of self-harm and suicide. The investigator previously implemented a 4-mth condensed-DBT regimen with success in an adult clinical population. This study will evaluate an intensive 8 week intervention formulated for students to reduce the high prevalence of self-harm and dysfunctional behavior in this population and reduce the need for extended treatment in later years. It will include rigorous screening for collateral disorders, including Substance Use Disorders exacerbating BPD symptoms and suicide risk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 to 27
• Currently enrolled in college
• Meet at least 4 of 9 Criteria of BPD (DSM-V) with one criterion being self-harm (e.g. cut, burn, or hit self)

Exclusion Criteria:

• have a current major psychiatric disorder diagnosis, or other gross cognitive impairment (as identified in the phone screen or the SCID I measure) or
• have undergone DBT or
• are suicidal and require full DBT and/or hospitalization or
• are currently in any other individual or group therapy
• unable to attend weekly visits over 8 weeks, starting March 24, 2014