Comparing Mentalization-Based Treatment and Standard Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder in Germany

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) compared to bona fide treatments (BFT) such as psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in Germany. The study aims to determine if MBT can more effectively reduce crisis events, including non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts, while also assessing its impact on overall functioning, symptom severity, and cost-effectiveness. Participants will be monitored for changes in their mental health and quality of life over the course of the treatment. This randomized-controlled trial addresses a significant gap in existing research on outpatient MBT in Germany.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Borderline Personality Disorder
* non-suicidal self injury or suicide attempts in the past two years as indicated by the IPDE item "repeated suicidal behaviours, gestures, threats or self-harm", one of which has occurred in the past six months

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute substance use disorder (exception: cannabis dependency)
* diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder
* bipolar I disorder (DSM-5)
* cognitive impairment (IQ\<80) or evidence of organic brain disorder
* BMI\<16.5
* serious medical condition that will require hospitalization within the next year (e.g. cancer)
* no sufficient German language abilities

Where it's running

• Psychologische Hochschule Berlin
  Berlin, Germany Recruiting
• Heidelberg University
  Heidelberg, Germany Recruiting
• Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Düsseldorf
  Düsseldorf, Germany Not yet recruiting
• Institute for Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psychooncology
  Jena, Germany Not yet recruiting
• Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm
  Ulm, Germany Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Svenja Taubner — University Heidelberg
• Study coordinator: Svenja Taubner, Prof.
• Email: svenja.taubner@med.uni-heidelberg.de
• Phone: +496221564701

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.