Neurofeedback treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder
Amygdala RtfMRI Neurofeedback for Borderline Personality Disorder
This study is testing whether a special brain training technique can help adults with borderline personality disorder improve their response to positive memories.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05398627 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of real-time fMRI neurofeedback aimed at enhancing the amygdala's response to positive memories in adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Participants will undergo two sessions of neurofeedback and will be monitored bi-weekly for treatment effects using self-report measures and psychophysiological indices. The approach combines advanced neuroimaging techniques with psychological assessment to explore potential therapeutic benefits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18 to 55 with a primary diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder who are either unmedicated or stable on an SSRI.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, significant substance use disorders, or a history of traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel therapeutic option for individuals with borderline personality disorder, potentially improving emotional regulation and overall mental health.
How similar studies have performed: While neurofeedback approaches have been explored in various contexts, this specific application targeting the amygdala in borderline personality disorder is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * right-handed adults (ages 18 - 55) with a primary diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder according to diagnostic criteria in the Structured Interview for DSM Personality Disorders * must be able to give written informed consent prior to participation * unmedicated or stable on an SSRI antidepressant regime (at least 3 weeks to ensure symptoms are stable) * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * have a clinically significant or unstable cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal illness or unstable medical disorder * Current moderate or severe DSM-V alcohol or substance use disorder, with the exception of nicotine or caffeine. Clinician will access subjects' alcohol and substance use on a case-by-case to determine whether specific cases of mild alcohol or substance use would also interfere with the effects of the intervention. * have a history of traumatic brain injury * are unable to complete MRI scan due to claustrophobia or general MRI exclusions (e.g., shrapnel inside body) * are currently pregnant or breast feeding * are unable to complete questionnaires written in English * current (within 3 weeks of testing) use of any antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, or other medications (except SSRI antidepressants) likely to influence cerebral blood flow. Effective medications will not be discontinued for the purposes of the study. Inclusion of patients on stable antidepressant medications was decided in order to allow generalization towards a real world population * have a DSM-5 diagnosis of psychotic or organic mental disorder * have any eye problems or difficulties in corrected vision. * Serious suidicial ideation
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kymberl Young, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kymberly Young, PhD
- Email: youngk@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-648-6179
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.