Investigating early intervention for borderline personality disorder in adolescents

The Effectiveness of Mentalization-Based Treatment-Early (MBT-early) in Adolescents With Emerging Borderline-personality Disorder: a Single Case Experimental Design

Observational De Viersprong · NCT06212024

This study tests a new early treatment for teens aged 12 to 18 with borderline personality disorder traits to see if it can help them feel better and improve their daily lives.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment6 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorDe Viersprong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halsteren)
Trial IDNCT06212024 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the effectiveness of a new intervention called Mentalization Based Treatment-early (MBT-early) for adolescents aged 12 to 18 who exhibit traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Utilizing a single case experimental design, the study aims to assess treatment outcomes in young individuals with mild to moderate functional impairments. By concentrating on early detection and intervention, the research seeks to prevent the worsening of BPD symptoms and improve overall quality of life. The study addresses the variability in previous research by targeting a more specific population with early-stage borderline personality problems.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 18 with three to six traits of borderline personality disorder and mild to moderate functional impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe disabilities, primary diagnoses requiring specialist treatment, or significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning in adolescents with borderline personality traits.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies on psychotherapeutic interventions for borderline personality disorder have shown mixed results, this approach focusing on early intervention is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 12 and 18 years,
2. Three to six traits of borderline personality disorder as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Syndrome Disorders
3. Mild to moderate disability with regard to functioning in school, at home and in the peer group.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. presence of a primary diagnosis that requires other specialist treatment (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, chronic psychotic disorder, severe eating disorder of sever substance abuse disorder),
2. More than one comorbid classification,
3. IQ \< 75,
4. Severe disability with regard to functioning in school, at home and in the peer group representative for later stage BPD.

Where this trial is running

Halsteren

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 DisorderBorderline personality disorderEarly interventionSingle case experimental designTreatment outcome
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.