These patients can also be seen as survivors of complex developmental trauma who struggle with affect regulation and in relationships. This presentation is an overview of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy as used in acute stabilisation of emotionally deregulated patients. Focus will be given to looking at different ways of understanding these patients as well as looking at the dissociative process and the importance of mindfulness based techniques.
In the final panel discussion, we illustrate and explore some of the South African challenges and possibilities that encourage and support a well-resourced, committed, cohesive and well-trained multi-disciplinary team approach in treating this difficult patient population.