Combining therapy with brain stimulation for borderline personality disorder
rTMS-enhanced Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder
This study is testing if combining therapy with brain stimulation can help people with borderline personality disorder feel better compared to other treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Masarykova Univerzita Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brno) |
| Trial ID | NCT06259851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the effectiveness of integrating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Participants will be divided into four groups: one receiving DBT with active rTMS, another with sham rTMS, a third receiving rTMS only, and a fourth receiving sham treatment only. Assessments will be conducted before and after the rTMS treatment, including self-reported questionnaires, clinical interviews, and neuroimaging techniques to measure emotional responses. Follow-up evaluations will track the long-term effects of the interventions over a year.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 and older diagnosed with borderline personality disorder according to DSM-5 criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, severe comorbid conditions, or contraindications for rTMS or MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with borderline personality disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While combining psychotherapy with brain stimulation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in other mental health conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of borderline personality disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria (rated by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 for Personality Disorders, BPD section) * minimum age 16, informed consent of the patient * informed consent of patient's legal representative in case of patients under age 18 Exclusion Criteria: * neurological disorder * comorbid affective disorder or schizophrenia-related disorder * intelligence quotient\<70 * contraindications for MRI measurement * contraindication for rTMS treatment * pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Brno
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University — Brno, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Libor Ustohal, prof, Ph.D. — University Hospital Brno
- Study coordinator: Pavla Linhartová, Ph.D.
- Email: pavla.linhartova@med.muni.cz
- Phone: +420532233329
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.