Emotion regulation training for people with borderline personality disorder
Cognitive Reappraisal Training Targeting Emotion Circuits As a Therapeutic Intervention in Borderline Patients
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11167565
This project teaches people with borderline personality disorder how to use cognitive reappraisal to better manage intense emotions by training brain emotion circuits.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167565 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would take part in a structured program that teaches cognitive reappraisal skills—ways of rethinking upsetting situations to reduce emotional intensity. The team will do brain scans (like fMRI) before and after the training to look for changes in emotion-related areas such as the amygdala and prefrontal regions. You will also complete questionnaires and behavioral tasks to track mood swings, anger, and other symptoms. The program includes multiple in-person sessions and practice exercises to help you use the skills in everyday situations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who can attend in-person sessions and are willing to complete brain scans and questionnaires are the best fit.
Not a fit: People without borderline personality disorder, those unable to undergo MRI (for example due to metal implants), or those who cannot commit to repeated sessions and practice may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could reduce emotional instability, impulsive outbursts, and suicidal thoughts by strengthening emotion-regulation skills and underlying brain circuits.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies, including work from this team, have shown that cognitive reappraisal training can change emotion-related brain activity, but using it as a targeted treatment for BPD is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOENIGSBERG, HAROLD W — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: KOENIGSBERG, HAROLD W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder