A comparison of an intensive short-term dynamic group therapy to a DBT skills group program for people with personality vulnerabilities (a randomised pilot study for feasibility)

Background: Intensive short-term dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a structured, short-term psychotherapy that focuses on emotional processing and the resolution of internal conflicts. This randomised pilot and feasibility study evaluated the implementation of a novel 12-week group program based on ISTDP model, and compared clinical outcomes in reducing symptoms associated with personality vulnerabilities (e.g., emotion regulation, self-harm). The setting of the study was an Australian Public Hospital Service. Methods: The study design was a randomised pilot study for feasibility. Participants were consumers who were referred to a brief intervention service for personality disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the ISTDP group or DBT group (treatment as usual). Outcome measures included questionnaires (DASS-21, DERS-18, DES-II, DBTWCCL) assessing mood and distress, emotional dysregulation, disassociation, and DBT skill use. Feasibility outcomes, such as recruitment, attrition, and consumer experiences of the therapy, were also evaluated. Results: A total of 15 participants were recruited, with nine randomly allocated to the ISTDP group and six to the DBT group. Both groups showed improvements in clinical symptoms, including reductions in depression, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. The ISTDP group also demonstrated a reduction in anxiety and stress. Follow-up surveys indicated that participants found both group interventions relevant, useful, and beneficial for managing their thoughts and emotions. Conclusion: Both the ISTDP and DBT interventions were well received by participants, and no adverse events were reported, further supporting their potential for implementation in public hospital settings.