Cognition, mood and sleep in people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can cause quick shifts in mood, relationship challenges, and disrupted sleep. Right now, doctors rely mainly on what patients tell them during clinic appointments, as there are few physical tests to measure daily symptoms. Researchers at the University of Oxford want to see if wearable technology can change this. This seven-week study explores whether digital devices used at home can track brain activity, sleep, and mood changes over time. People aged 18 to 35 with BPD—as well as healthy volunteers without mental health conditions—will take part. Participants will wear a special activity watch, answer brief mood questions on a mobile app, and wear a lightweight headset during simple tablet-based brain games. The goal is to see how practical and helpful these devices are in daily life. Taking part does not involve any changes to your normal medical treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how people feel about themselves and others. People living with BPD often experience intense emotions, difficulties with sleep, and sudden changes in mood. Because everyone's experience is unique, doctors currently rely almost entirely on what people share during appointments. Finding objective, everyday ways to monitor how the brain functions during sleep and daily life could help doctors offer better, more personalised support in the future.
To explore this, researchers at the University of Oxford are testing home-based digital tools. Participants will use an innovative platform that combines an easy-to-wear headset with a touch-screen tablet. The headset gently measures brain activity while you relax or play brief memory and thinking games. Participants will also wear an activity watch—similar to a fitness tracker—that records physical activity, daylight exposure, and sleep patterns.
The researchers want to find out whether people find these devices comfortable and easy to use as part of their normal routine. By comparing data from people diagnosed with BPD and people with no mental health conditions, the team hopes to learn whether portable tech can clearly detect real-time changes in mood and sleep.
This research is observational, meaning it does not test any new drugs or therapies. Instead, it aims to build a clearer picture of how BPD affects the brain and body day-to-day, which could guide how mental health conditions are monitored and treated in years to come.
Key takeaways
- A 7-week study testing whether wearable devices can track sleep, mood, and brain activity at home.
- Open to adults aged 18 to 35 who either have BPD or have no mental health conditions.
- Involves wearing an activity watch, answering short daily mood surveys, and wearing a safe headset during tablet games.
- Requires two visits to Warneford Hospital in Oxford (at the start and the end).
- No new medicines are involved, and participation is entirely voluntary.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to men and women aged 18 to 35. Researchers are looking for two groups of people: those who have a formal diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and healthy volunteers who have never had a mental health condition. You must be able to speak English well enough to follow the instructions and have working Wi-Fi at home for the digital devices.
To ensure your safety and keep the study results reliable, some people will not be able to join. You cannot participate if you have spent time in a psychiatric hospital or needed crisis team support within the last two months, or if you are currently at risk of self-harm. The study is also not suitable for people with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, or those who struggle with severe drug or alcohol problems.
Certain health factors might also mean this study is not right for you. These include conditions that affect brain signals (such as epilepsy or a past head injury), the regular use of strong sleeping tablets or sedatives, or working irregular night shifts that constantly change your sleep routine.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of BPD, OR have you never had a mental health condition?
- Do you have access to reliable Wi-Fi at home?
- Have you been free from hospital stays or crisis team visits for at least 2 months?
- Are you free from conditions like epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or severe alcohol or drug misuse?
- Do you have a standard daily routine (not working changing night shifts)?
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts for seven weeks and includes two in-person hospital visits alongside home activities. Your first visit takes place at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford and lasts about two hours. During this visit, a researcher will explain everything, answer your questions, and ensure you are happy to proceed. You will answer questions about your health and sleep, and the team will show you how to use each piece of equipment before you take it home.
For the next seven weeks, you will use the equipment at home. You will wear a comfortable activity watch day and night to record your movement and sleep. You will also answer short daily mood questions on an app. During specific weeks, you will wear the headset for about 30 minutes while doing simple brain tasks on a tablet—sometimes several days in a row, and other times just once a week.
On day 49, you will attend a final one-hour visit in Oxford to return the equipment and tell the team about your experience. You will not receive any new medicines during the study, and your standard NHS medical care will continue as normal.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- University of OxfordApproximateOxford, England
- Warneford HospitalApproximateOxford, England
Common questions
Is the brain-monitoring headset painful or dangerous?
No. The headset sits gently on your head like a pair of headphones. It only listens to your brain's natural signals and does not send any electricity into your body. It has been thoroughly safety tested and approved for UK use.
Do I need to change my current medications?
No, you should not stop taking your prescribed medications. However, people who regularly take certain sedatives or sleeping tablets cannot join, as these medicines alter brain waves. The study team can check this with you.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No. All devices, including the tablet, headset, and watch, are loaned to you free of charge by the University of Oxford for the duration of the study.
Can I leave the study if it feels like too much work?
Yes. Taking part is completely your choice. If you decide it is taking up too much time or you simply change your mind, you can stop at any point without it affecting your usual NHS care.
Who is running this study?
The study is led by researchers at the University of Oxford and based at the Warneford Hospital, in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim and Cumulus Neuroscience Ltd.
How to find out more
Kate Saunders
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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