ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 covers emotion dysregulation, which is characterised by extreme emotional responses, frequent changes in emotional state, and a sense of emotions as unpredictable and out of control. It is often associated with behaviours such as self-harm, substance misuse, and risk-taking, as well as interpersonal difficulties such as frequent conflict and intense, unstable relationships. At its more extreme end it is associated with diagnoses such as Emotionally Unstable or Borderline Personality Disorder. This chapter aims to support clinicians using CBT in their routine practice to make best use of their skills and abilities when they find themselves working with emotion dysregulation. It begins with an understanding of emotion dysregulation, what causes it, and the interaction between emotion dysregulation and interpersonal difficulty. It then outlines the emotion dysregulation trap. Finally, it looks at the interventions available to support adolescents and young adults with these difficulties.
