Family mode deactivation therapy (FMDT) as a contextual treatment.

Abstract

Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) was developed as a third wave therapy approach to cater for the challenging population of adolescents with conduct and oppositional behavior problems, emotion dysregulation, physical and sexual aggression, and other complex comorbid psychopathologies. The theoretical construct of MDT is based on the Beck's Mode Model and the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with elements of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. The methodology is based on the fundamental proposition that core beliefs based on an individual interpretation of past experiences regulate thoughts, emotions, and feelings when activated by a trigger event. This may lead to aberrant behaviors when cognitive processes are distorted. MDT has proven very successful in practice to balance the dichotomous thinking of the client by exploring positive alternatives on a continuum and realigning perceptions. Family MDT (FMDT) is especially valuable in a family therapy context as the family unit's experiences and interactions inarguably have an integral influence on the youth's beliefs and behavior. MDT is a structured and sequential process, although sufficiently flexibility to utilize continuous feedback loops to optimize the case conceptualization and treatment plan. Evidence is provided to support the claim that MDT is superior to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in treating the target population in an outpatient and residential setting with their families.

A comparison between dialectical behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of adolescents.

“…As such, MDT has been developed as an derivative of CBT in order to help find a reliable method that is better suited for treating adolescents with multiple issues while managing their typical resistance to treatment (Apsche, 2010; Apsche, Bass, & DiMeo, 2011). Furthermore, when MDT is compared to CBT , it is also more effective in decreasing severe and life-interfering behaviors such as physical aggression and self-harm (Apsche, 2010; Swart & Apsche, 2014).…”