Comparing brain stimulation techniques for impulsivity in borderline personality disorder

Reduction of Impulsivity in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder Using Dual-site Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Not applicable Interventional Hôpital le Vinatier · NCT05942651

This study is testing a new brain stimulation technique to see if it can help people with borderline personality disorder reduce their impulsivity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHôpital le Vinatier Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron, AURA)
Trial IDNCT05942651 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called paired cortico-cortical associative stimulation (ccPAS) in reducing impulsivity among patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active ccPAS or a sham treatment, with the goal of enhancing connectivity between specific brain regions associated with impulsivity. The study will utilize a double-blind, parallel-group design to ensure unbiased results. By focusing on impulsivity, a key symptom of BPD, the trial seeks to provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions for this challenging condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as confirmed by a structured psychiatric interview.

Not a fit: Patients with other chronic psychiatric conditions or those currently on specific medications that affect GABAergic transmission may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients with borderline personality disorder, specifically targeting impulsivity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in treating various psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of BPD (established by a psychiatrist and confirmed in a structured interview using the MINI) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to TMS/MRI (pacemakers or other devices likely to interfere with the magnetic field).
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
* Ongoing anxiolytic treatment (benzodiazepines), neuroleptic treatment or anticonvulsants acting on GABAergic transmission ; 24 hours prior to the protocol.
* Diagnosis of other chronic psychiatric pathology including bipolar disorder type I or II and addictions (except tobacco).
* Protective measure (curatorship or guardianship)

Where this trial is running

Bron, AURA

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Borderline Personality Disorderbrain stimulationimpulsivity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.