Using STEPPS therapy for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and their families

Application and Analysis of the Effectiveness of the STEPPS Program in Patients with BPD, Extending to Their Families with the Family Connections Program: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Universitat Jaume I · NCT06195553

This study is testing whether a combined therapy program for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and their families can help them improve more than standard treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitat Jaume I (other)
Locations1 site (Castellon, Spain)
Trial IDNCT06195553 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on the effectiveness of the STEPPS program combined with Family Connections for patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and their families. The study aims to determine if this dual approach leads to greater improvements in both patients and their relatives compared to traditional methods. It will also assess the acceptance and feasibility of these intervention programs among patients, families, and clinical professionals. Given the high prevalence and associated risks of BPD, this study seeks to fill a gap in existing therapeutic interventions that involve family members.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of BPD and are currently receiving treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbid conditions such as major depression, psychosis, or substance dependence may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance treatment outcomes for patients with BPD and improve family dynamics.

How similar studies have performed: While family involvement has shown success in treating other severe mental disorders, this specific approach for BPD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being at least 18 years old.
* Be a patients with symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of BPD who is undergoing treatment or follow-up in someone of the indicated recruitment centers.
* Sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The presence of any pathology that prevents carrying out the intervention: major depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, substance dependence, eating disorders, another personality disorder, borderline IQ, etc., which due to its severity is currently interfering.

FAMILIES:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being at least 18 years old.
* Be a relative of someone of the patients with symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of BPD who is undergoing treatment or follow-up in someone of the indicated recruitment centers.
* Sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The presence of any pathology that prevents carrying out the intervention: major depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, substance dependence, eating disorders, another personality disorder, borderline IQ, etc., which due to its severity is currently interfering.

Where this trial is running

Castellon, Spain

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder, Personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, stepps, family connections, family focused therapy, family involvement, randomized controlled trial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.