Final answer:
Dialectical behavior therapy was originally developed for treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a complex disorder characterized by instability in moods and behavior. It has since been adapted to treat a variety of mental health conditions, combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with distress tolerance and mindfulness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dialectical behavior therapy was originally developed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is a complex mental disorder characterized by patterns of instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning. These patterns often result in impulsive actions and unstable relationships. People diagnosed with BPD may experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety that may last from a few hours to days. Adjustments to traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques were made to address aspects like emotional dysregulation commonly seen in BPD. The approach combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice.
The use of dialectical behavior therapy is not limited to BPD; it has been adapted for treatment of other mental health conditions including eating disorders, substance dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. It's worth noting that although the therapy was initially developed for BPD, its use has since expanded and it has been proven effective in treating a variety of conditions.