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Abstract

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy as an additional treatment modality for schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world’s population and most of the individuals diagnosed with it never fully recover. Due to the severity of this disorder, it is important to discover effective treatment modalities that could aid in symptom management, such as dialectical behavior therapy. Some articles used in this review describe background information on schizophrenia and dialectical behavior therapy; the other articles describe primary research conducted using dialectical behavior therapy. This paper explains the symptoms and current treatment for schizophrenia. Likewise, dialectical behavior therapy is explained through its incorporation of the ideas of acceptance and change by using specific stages of treatment, modes of treatment , and skills training. Dialectical behavior therapy studies of an experimental or quasi-experimental nature are examined to evaluate its effectiveness on the following disorders: borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Using the conclusions gathered from these studies, dialectical behavior therapy is proposed as a possible treatment option for those who suffer from schizophrenia.

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