Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for depression in borderline personality disorder

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 is a double-blind, randomized trial in which 60 adults with DSM-IV borderline personality disorder and a moderate-to-severe depressive episode will be randomized to 14 sessions of active or sham home-based tDCS following a two-week online psychoeducation. Sessions are delivered at home with participants required to pick up and return the device at the study center, and feasibility in both remote and urban settings is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include preliminary efficacy on depressive symptoms, while exploratory outcomes examine neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning, anxiety, sleep, physical activity, addiction, and the feasibility of using a smartwatch as an outcome measure. The trial will also explore which sociodemographic and clinical factors predict the best response to tDCS and will compare active stimulation to sham in a blinded design.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. To be aged between 18 and 65.
2. To meet the DSM-IV criteria for BPD.
3. To present a moderate depressive episode, defined as a MADRS score ≥ 20 (V1 and V3).
4. To be capable to consent to participate in the study.
5. To speak either French or English.
6. Participants must have a prescribing doctor or mental health professional responsible
7. To maintain a stable psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention.
8. To have access to internet an a smartphone.
9. To demonstrate proficiency in independently using a tDCS device.
10. To be able to pick up and return the remote tDCS device.

Exclusion Criteria:

\- 1. To have a history of Epilepsy. 2. To have a contraindication for tDCS Medical Devices. 3. To have a history of Cerebrovascular Surgery. 4. To present scalp Conditions Affecting tDCS Electrode Placement. 5. To have a history of bipolar disorder. 6. To present social or medical conditions limiting the autonomous use of remote tDCS.

7\. To be pregnant. 8. To be currently undergoing neuromodulation treatment. 9. To be currently using benzodiazepines.

Where it's running

• Iusmm
  Montreal, Quebec, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lionel Cailhol, MD, PhD
• Email: lionel.cailhol.med@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
• Phone: 514-251-4000

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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.