RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impulsivity With Borderline Personality Disorder/tMS

This research is investigating a novel way to help people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who experience impulsivity. BPD is a mental health condition that can make emotions and relationships very unstable, often leading to impulsive behaviours like self-harm. The study uses a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called ccPAS. Researchers want to compare two different ways of applying this stimulation to see if one is better at reducing impulsive actions. The hope is to find a new and effective treatment option for those struggling with BPD and impulsivity, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing risky behaviours.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hôpital le Vinatier

Enrolment target

Start

08 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

20 Sep 2027

Borderline Personality Disorder

What is this study about?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that can make it difficult to manage emotions, maintain stable relationships, and control impulsive urges. These impulsive urges can sometimes lead to risky behaviours like self-harm or substance use. Many people with BPD struggle with this impulsivity, and it can significantly impact their daily lives and well-being. This study aims to explore a new way to help people with BPD manage these impulsive behaviours.

The researchers are using a technique called non-invasive brain stimulation, similar to a special kind of brain exercise. It's not surgery and doesn't involve any needles. They are specifically testing a method called ccPAS (Cortico-cortical Paired Associative Stimulation). This treatment gently stimulates specific areas of the brain that are linked to controlling impulses. The study will compare two slightly different ways of giving this stimulation to see which one is more effective at helping people reduce their impulsivity.

This research is important because impulsivity is a key challenge for many people with BPD, often leading to difficult or dangerous situations. By understanding if and how this brain stimulation can help, scientists hope to develop better treatment options to improve the lives of those living with BPD, offering a new pathway to better manage their symptoms and enhance their overall mental health.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new brain stimulation treatment for impulsivity in BPD.
It uses a gentle, non-invasive method called ccPAS to target specific brain areas.
Two different types of stimulation are being compared to find the most effective one.
The research aims to improve outcomes for people with BPD by reducing impulsive behaviours.
Participation involves brain stimulation sessions and symptom assessments.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) that has been confirmed by a psychiatrist and through a detailed interview.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain medical devices like a pacemaker, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also can't be taking certain anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines), antipsychotics, or anti-seizure medicines that affect your brain chemistry for 24 hours before the study begins.

Finally, if you have other long-term mental health conditions, like Bipolar Disorder, or if you have an addiction (other than smoking tobacco), you wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't be involved if you have legal guardianship.

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.

Do I have a confirmed diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Do I have any medical devices in my body that could be affected by magnetic fields?
Am I pregnant or currently breastfeeding?
Am I taking any strong anxiety medications, antipsychotics, or anti-seizure drugs?
Do I have any other significant mental health conditions (like Bipolar Disorder) or drug addictions (other than smoking)?
Am I over 18 years old?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is designed to be a 'randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial.' This means that participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving the active brain stimulation and the other receiving a 'mock' or 'sham' stimulation that feels similar but isn't active. Neither you nor the researchers will know which group you are in. This helps to ensure the results are fair and unbiased. The study will involve a series of visits to the clinic where you will receive the brain stimulation. Before and after the stimulation sessions, you will complete assessments and questionnaires to measure any changes in impulsivity. The exact number of visits, duration of each visit, and total length of the study will be explained in detail by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could potentially offer new insights into managing impulsivity related to BPD, which might be beneficial for you. However, as with any medical study, there's no guarantee of direct personal benefit, and new treatments always carry potential unknown risks. The brain stimulation used is generally considered safe, but some people might experience mild side effects like a temporary headache or discomfort at the stimulation site. All potential risks will be thoroughly explained by the study team. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier
Verified postcode
Bron, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

BPD is a mental health condition that affects how you think and feel about yourself and others, leading to problems with emotions, relationships, and impulsive behaviours.

What is 'brain stimulation' in this study?

It's a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of your brain, helping to 'exercise' brain connections related to impulse control.

Will I feel anything during the brain stimulation?

You might feel a mild tapping or tingling sensation on your scalp during the stimulation, but it should not be painful.

Why is impulsivity in BPD important to study?

Impulsivity can lead to risky behaviours and significantly affect a person's life. Finding better ways to manage it can greatly improve quality of life for those with BPD.

What is a 'sham' treatment?

A sham treatment looks and feels like the real treatment but isn't active. It helps researchers compare results fairly, ensuring any benefits are from the actual treatment.

How to find out more

POULET Emmanuel, PUPH

emmanuel.poulet@chu-lyon.fr 0437915565 Official trial record

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