Dialectical behavior therapy for mild traumatic brain injury: A program design

Patients who have suffered Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries present perplexing difficulties to neuropsychologists in terms of rehabilitation. Often the most debilitating residual effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) are alterations in behavior and personality. Several similarities between patients who have suffered MTBI and those with borderline personality disorder have been shown. However, in many cases of mild injury these personality and behavioral issues are overlooked or underestimated. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, has proven to be one of the most effective therapeutic techniques for the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder. Many of the problems faced by MTBI patients are addressed by this acceptance-based technique.; The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (DBTMTBI) is designed to treat patients who are experiencing residual behavioral and personality difficulties following MTBI using DBT as a therapeutic base.; The DBTMTBI program will utilize a multidisciplinary team that will provide psychological services, behavioral skills training, neuroanatomical and neurobehavioral education, and occupational therapy to provide mildly brain injured patients comprehensive rehabilitation services. The goals and objectives of the DBTMTBI program include a decrease in patients' self-defeating behaviors and cognitions, a greater knowledge of their abilities and impairments, and an increase in behavioral and cognitive skills that will lead to a greater sense of self and feelings of self-esteem. The program will strive to improve each patient's ability to accept his or her life as it is, and to function independently.