RecruitingPhase IIIInterventional

Quetiapine effectiveness study in borderline personality disorder (QUEST)

This study, called QUEST, aims to find out if the medication quetiapine is an effective treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD can cause intense mood swings, problems with relationships, and high rates of self-harm. Currently, there are no specific drugs licensed for BPD in the UK, and doctors want to know the best way to help. Even though quetiapine is often prescribed, there's not much strong evidence it works. This large study will compare quetiapine to a dummy pill (placebo) over 12 months, alongside standard care, to see if it truly helps improve BPD symptoms and if it's a good use of NHS resources. This could significantly guide future treatment for BPD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

270

Start

09 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2027

Borderline personality disorder

What is this study about?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves a range of difficult feelings and behaviours, such as really strong mood swings, feeling very bad about yourself, a deep fear of being abandoned, and problems keeping relationships healthy. Many people with BPD also experience other mental health issues like depression, substance misuse, self-harm, and sadly, a higher risk of suicide.

Currently, there isn't a specific drug approved in the UK to treat BPD, which means doctors are often unsure of the best medication to offer. Quetiapine is a drug that doctors sometimes prescribe for BPD, but we don't have enough clear evidence from big studies to know how well it works. A smaller study previously showed some promising results, suggesting quetiapine might help more than a dummy pill in improving BPD symptoms. However, to be certain, we need a larger and longer study to confirm these findings.

This study, called QUEST, aims to provide that important evidence. It will help us understand if quetiapine is truly effective for people with BPD. If the study shows it works, it could become a key treatment option. If it doesn't show a clear benefit, doctors will need to think about whether quetiapine should continue to be prescribed for BPD. The goal is to make sure people with BPD receive the most effective and appropriate care.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if quetiapine helps people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
It aims to provide strong evidence where current evidence is limited.
Participants will receive either real quetiapine or a dummy pill for 12 months.
The study also looks at whether the treatment is good value for money.
It is a UK-based study specifically for NHS mental health service users.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). You need to be currently receiving care from NHS mental health services. It's also important to be able to read and speak English and understand and agree to take part in the study by signing a consent form. Women who could become pregnant must agree to use effective contraception throughout the study.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently taking certain other antipsychotic medications, or if you have specific conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. You also can't take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant. Finally, if you are allergic to quetiapine or are taking particular medications that might react badly with it, you won't be able to participate.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Are you currently receiving care from NHS mental health services?
Can you read and speak English?
Are you able to agree to the study rules and provide written consent?
If you are a woman of childbearing potential, are you willing to use effective contraception throughout the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to either receive quetiapine or a dummy pill (placebo). Neither you nor your study doctor will know which you are receiving – this is called a 'double-blind' study. You will take this medication, or dummy pill, for 12 months, in addition to any other regular care you are already receiving. The study will also look at the costs involved and whether the improvements in your health are worth these costs. The study will run for about three and a half years in total, from March 2025 to October 2028, but your personal participation will be for 12 months for the medication part, with follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer benefits like closer monitoring of your BPD symptoms, and if you receive quetiapine, it might improve your symptoms. However, there's also a chance you might receive the dummy pill and not get an active treatment from the study. Quetiapine can have side effects, which your study doctor will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (7)

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Prescot, England
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Fulbourn Hospital
Approximate
Cambridge, England
Vale House Mental Health Resource Centre
City only
Winsford, England
Rowan View
Unverified
Liverpool, England
Phoenix Service
Unverified
Birmingham, England

Common questions

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

BPD is a condition that causes strong mood swings, problems with how you see yourself, and difficulties in relationships, often leading to feelings of emptiness or intense anger.

What is quetiapine?

Quetiapine is a medication often used to treat certain mental health conditions. In this study, we're trying to find out if it's also helpful for BPD.

What does 'placebo' mean?

A placebo is a dummy pill that looks just like the real medication but doesn't contain any active drug. It helps researchers compare the effects of the active drug more accurately.

How long will I be in the study?

If you take part, you will receive either quetiapine or a dummy pill for 12 months, alongside your usual care.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a UK government body.

How to find out more

Nadia Ismail

questtrial@liverpool.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.