Adapting and Evaluating Dialectical Behaviour Group Therapy for Adults With Dual Diagnosis (Intellectual Disabilities With Psychiatric Disorder)

1.2 Introduction

This pilot intervention attempts to deliver and evaluate an adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in group format. It is hypothesized that the strategies taught through this adapted modality will increase adults with dual diagnosis skills in managing difficult situations and their emotional reactions, thereby decreasing risk of crisis and ultimately demands placed on the mental health service system.

1.3 Research Questions:

Four key questions are addressed within this project:

1. Can adults with intellectual disabilities learn and retain knowledge and skills presented in an adapted DBT group program?
2. Do participants report positive increases in self-esteem and greater engagement in social situations following group participation?
3. Are there decreases in signs and symptoms of mental health issues i.e. anxiety and depression and improvements in challenging behavior following completion of the dialectical behavior group therapy program?
4. Does the program provide any benefit to caregivers? (e.g., are the able to de-escalate "crisis" situations quicker? Do caregivers feel it provides them tools to use when the client experiences distress? Does it lessen the caregivers stress?)