EFICACIA DE LA TERAPIA DIALÉCTICO CONDUCTUAL EN EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA DEPRESIÓN EN ADULTOS: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE LA LITERATURA CIENTÍFICA

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which Dialectical Behavioral Therapy was effective in the treatment of depression in adults through a systematic review of the scientific literature. For study selection, investigations were included when participants were adults, depressive symptoms were assessed with validated clinical instruments and depression appeared as a primary diagnosis or as a comorbid or secondary condition. Interventions based on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in full format or through specific components were considered when they were grounded in its principles and described in terms of duration and frequency. Only studies with at least one comparison or control group, pretest-posttest design and quantitative efficacy outcomes were included. Information was searched in international databases and findings were 3 summarized, compared and integrated, considering design, sample characteristics, intervention modalities and control conditions. 26 studies were included, with samples of adults with depression, frequently with clinical comorbidities and in outpatient or partial hospitalization settings. Results showed that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy was associated with consistent reductions in depressive symptoms and was superior to passive control conditions and treatment as usual, although it did not show systematic superiority over other active psychological treatments. It was concluded that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy constituted an effective intervention for adult depression, with limitations related to methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes and predominance of specific clinical contexts. Implications for practice were indicated by suggesting this therapy as a valid alternative and highlighting the need for more rigorous comparative studies.