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Evidence-Based Approach to an Adolescent with Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation

NCJ Number
213666
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 489-493
Author(s)
Jon M. McClellan M.D.; John D. Hamilton M.D.
Date Published
April 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents a case study of an evidence-based approach to the treatment of an adolescent with emotional and behavioral dysregulation.
Abstract
The case study demonstrates the importance of seven strategic steps when implementing evidence-based therapies: (1) identify a clinical subpopulation presenting with high frequency at the treatment site; (2) identify interventions that have been proven effective in treating this population; (3) critically review the studies for methodological quality and for relevance to the population and fit for the institution; (4) build a coalition of practitioners and experts to implement the therapies; (5) maintain fidelity to the original intervention; (6) evaluate the implementation; and (7) focus on sustaining the innovation. The case study involved the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a 15-year-old girl who was referred for long-term inpatient care to address her chronic behavioral and mood dysregulation, self-injurious behaviors, and psychotic-like symptoms. The authors discuss the importance of proper diagnosis and identification of appropriate and proven treatment methods. In this case, the patient was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and was administered dialectical behavioral therapy, a cognitive behavioral psychotherapy with documented effectiveness for reducing parasuicidal behaviors in females with BPD. References