Not yet recruitingInterventional

Perinatal emotional skill s groups for women and birthing parents with borderline personality disorder

This study looks at how best to help pregnant people or new parents (within 12 months of giving birth) who have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). People with BPD can have strong mood changes and difficulties in relationships. Pregnancy and becoming a parent can be particularly stressful. The study will compare two approaches: standard NHS mental health care, or standard care combined with online 'emotional skills groups'. These groups aim to help people manage their feelings and their relationship with their baby. This research wants to discover if these online groups can offer better support during this important time.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

216

Start

15 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Specialty: Reproductive Health and Childbirth, Primary sub-specialty: General Obstetrics (antenatal and postnatal care, perinatal mental health); Health Category: Mental health, Reproductive health and childbirth; Disease/Condition: Mood [affective] disorders, Persons encountering health services in circumstances related to reproduction

What is this study about?

This research is called the PROSPER study, and it's looking into mental health support for pregnant people and new parents. We know that becoming a parent is a big life change, but it can be especially challenging for those who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). People with BPD often experience intense mood swings, struggle with relationships, and might be at higher risk of self-harm. During pregnancy and after birth, connecting with your baby is really important for their development, so making sure parents with BPD get the right help is vital.

At the moment, we don't fully understand the best ways to support people with BPD during this time. This study wants to find out if special online groups, called 'emotional skills groups' (ESGs), can make a real difference. These groups would be offered in addition to the standard mental health care already provided by the NHS. The project has been designed with input from people who have BPD, as they felt more support would have been beneficial during their own perinatal period.

The main goal of the study is to see if these emotional skills groups are effective. By comparing people who receive standard care with those who also attend the online groups, researchers hope to understand if the groups help with managing feelings, improving relationships, and generally supporting mental well-being during this crucial stage of life. The findings will help shape future care for parents with BPD.

Key takeaways

This study explores better support for pregnant people and new parents with BPD.
It compares standard NHS care with added online emotional skills groups.
Participation involves online group sessions (for one group) and regular video calls with researchers.
Your baby is welcome to attend the online group sessions.
The study aims to improve future care for parents with BPD.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant people or new parents to take part. You must be 18 years old or older. You can join if you are at least 12 weeks pregnant, or if you have given birth within the last 12 months.

To take part, you need to have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). You should also have internet access and be able to speak English well enough for conversations. If you require an interpreter, this study may not be suitable.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include having conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or drug dependence. You also can't join if you're a high risk to yourself or your baby, if you need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital, or if you are already getting other specialist talking therapies for your personality disorder.

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?
Are you currently pregnant (at least 12 weeks) or have given birth within the last 12 months?
Have you been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Do you have access to the internet?
Are you able to have a conversation in English without an interpreter?
Are you *not* currently receiving other specialist talking therapies for a personality disorder?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will continue to receive the usual mental health care from the NHS. The other group will get the usual NHS care PLUS attend online 'emotional skills groups' for three months. These groups meet online for 12 sessions, each lasting about two hours, and cover topics like your feelings about becoming a parent and your bond with your baby. Babies are welcome during these online sessions, so you won't need to arrange childcare.

No matter which group you are in, a researcher will chat with you by video call several times over a year. These calls will be at the start, at 4, 8, and 12 months. During these calls, which last 30-60 minutes, you'll answer questions about your mental health and well-being. At the 12-month call, they'll also ask a few questions about your baby's health. The study team may also ask if they can video record a short part of your 12-month call to observe your interactions with your baby, but this is optional and you can say no. Some participants might also be invited for an extra conversation to hear about their experiences in the study.

Potential risks and benefits

There's no guarantee that taking part will directly improve your health, but your contribution will be very important in helping researchers find better ways to support people with BPD during pregnancy and after childbirth in the future. All appointments for the study can be done online, so you won't need to travel. The main commitment is spending time completing questionnaires throughout the year about your mental health. If you're in the group attending emotional skills groups, you'll be encouraged to think and talk about sensitive topics relating to your feelings about becoming a parent and your relationship with your baby. These sessions are led by experienced professionals who will carefully look after your well-being. If you're asked for an optional interview, talking about past experiences might sometimes be upsetting, but you can pause or stop the interview at any time without any pressure to continue.

Locations (7)

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Leeds, England
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Prescot, England
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Bath, England
West London NHS Trust
Approximate
Southall, England
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Southampton, England
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Hatfield, England
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Beckenham, England

Common questions

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

BPD is a mental health condition that can affect how you think and feel about yourself and others, leading to intense mood changes, strong feelings, and difficulties in relationships.

What are 'emotional skills groups'?

These are online sessions designed to help you understand and manage your feelings better, especially concerning becoming a parent and your connection with your baby.

Do I have to travel for this study?

No, all parts of the study, including group sessions and conversations with researchers, are done online or over video calls, so you won't need to travel.

Will my baby be able to come to the online sessions?

Yes, babies are welcome to be present during the online emotional skills group sessions, so you don't need to worry about childcare.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), a major research funder in the UK.

How to find out more

Nikki Blythe

Prosper-trial@bristol.ac.uk - Official trial record

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