TMS plus Emotion Regulation Skills Training for 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 interventional study combines transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with targeted emotion regulation skills training for adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The approach aims to enhance neurocircuitry support for emotion regulation while teaching practical skills to reduce dysregulated emotional responses. Participants will have DSM-5–confirmed BPD, elevated emotion dysregulation, and stable medical management, with safety screenings and MRI/TMS contraindication checks. The trial uses established behavioral ER training alongside neuromodulation to explore potential synergistic effects on emotional control and related functioning.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline personality disorder;
* Clinical levels of emotion dysregulation as determined by a score ≥ 80 on the DERS;
* Male and female sex as assigned at birth;
* ages 22-65;
* able to provide informed consent and provide verifiable contact information;
* stable medication regimen.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current active suicidality (suicidal ideation with intent or plan)
* current substance use disorder for the past 6 months (substance use disorder in remission permitted);
* history of psychosis;
* dementia or other major neurological disorders
* medical illness or non-psychiatric medical treatment that would likely interfere with study participation;
* contraindications for MRI or TMS, including the presence of metallic implants that would interfere with safety (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, metal plates, non-removable body piercings, etc.), history of seizure disorder, history of head trauma;
* a clinical course of a neuromodulatory therapy (e.g. TMS, tDCS, ECT) within the past 6 months;
* current use of benzodiazepines (can interfere with iTBS stimulation);
* current pregnancy, to limit potential risks to an unborn child;
* concurrent participation in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) during participation ER-skills training portion of study.
* non-English speaking (ER skills training delivered in English only)

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kristen K Ellard, Ph.D. — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Kristen K Ellard, Ph.D.
• Email: kellard@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-724-3221

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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.