Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a system of therapy originally designed by Marsha M. Lindehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington, designed to treat people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is a combination of standard cognitive-behavioural techniques for emotional regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance and acceptance. It uses mindful awareness techniques largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. Research has indicated that DBT is also effective in treating patients who present varied symptoms and behaviours associated with spectrum mood disorders including self-injury.