Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Borderline Personality Disorder
(ClinicalBPD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the effectiveness of brain stimulation, specifically repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), in alleviating symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Participants will receive either real or sham (fake) brain stimulation, but all will eventually have the opportunity to try the real treatment. The trial includes several brain scans and treatments over approximately two and a half months. It suits individuals diagnosed with BPD by a psychiatrist who can speak English fluently. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and potentially benefit from an innovative treatment approach.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe for treating borderline personality disorder?
Research shows that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally well-tolerated by people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Studies have found that patients often experience better self-control, improved emotion management, and a more positive mood after treatment. Side effects are usually mild, such as headaches or scalp discomfort, which are common with this type of brain treatment.
In trials with BPD patients, TMS has shown promising results with manageable side effects. This suggests it is a safe option for those considering participation in a clinical trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for Borderline Personality Disorder because it offers a non-invasive option that directly targets the brain. Unlike standard treatments like psychotherapy and medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, rTMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells, potentially leading to quicker and more targeted improvements in mood and behavior. The unique double-blind setup with active and sham treatments ensures unbiased results, increasing the reliability of the findings. Additionally, participants who initially receive the sham treatment have the opportunity to switch to active treatment, providing all patients with access to potential benefits.
What evidence suggests that rTMS is effective for borderline personality disorder?
This trial will compare active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with a sham-controlled condition for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Studies have shown that rTMS is generally well-tolerated by people with BPD. Research suggests that rTMS can help manage symptoms, though more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for BPD. In some cases, similar treatments have led to high rates of symptom relief. Early findings indicate that rTMS might effectively target brain areas involved in BPD symptoms. While not all effects are fully understood, previous trials have shown the treatment to be safe for most patients.23678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18-65 with a confirmed diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) based on psychiatric evaluation. Participants must consent to the study and be able to attend at least 17 in-person visits over approximately 2.5 months.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive up to 30 brain stimulation treatments, along with MRI scans, EEG sessions, and cognitive assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants who received sham treatment can opt for 15 additional active brain stimulation sessions
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- rTMS
Trial Overview
The effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on BPD symptoms is being tested. The study is blinded and randomized, involving up to 30 participants who will receive either active or sham brain stimulation, with an option for additional sessions after initial treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Patients will be randomized to receive active or sham at vlPFC. Subjects assigned to the sham-controlled condition will be offered the opportunity to cross-over to open - label TMS treatment at the conclusion of the double-blind phase. This phase will serve as an incentive to recruitment because it ensures that all subjects (even those initially receiving sham stimulation) will eventually be eligible to receive active treatment. Rating scale scores will be obtained in the open-label extension just as scheduled in the controlled phase to gather additional information on efficacy of the active intervention.
Subjects in this group will receive active TMS treatment at vlPFC delivered by a magnet called A/P (active/placebo) coil. The A/P coil supports double-blinding of treatment. The coil has two sides, one of which is shielded so that no energy is imparted to the brain when the shielded side is applied to the subject's head. Small skin electrodes are applied to the scalp under the coil that impart a small microcurrent to the scalp simulating the sensation of active treatment. The operator receives a code from the device instructing them which side of the coil to use for each subject, ensuring complete treatment blinding.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with ...
The existing studies suggest that rTMS is a well-tolerated treatment in patients with BPD. Double-blind randomized controlled studies are necessary.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat 101 patients with ...
Remission rates were 87% for accelerated and 63% for standard iTBS. •. iTBS was well tolerated; younger and antidepressant-naïve patients showed better outcomes ...
A narrative systematic review of the effectiveness ...
The aim of this systematic review was to detect whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective intervention for the management of ...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Borderline ...
Study Overview. Primary purpose : to assess the effect on neuropsychological tasks related to planning of 10 daily sessions of right dorsolateral prefrontal ...
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation well-tolerated ...
Results suggested rTMS was well-tolerated among patients with BPD. The researchers noted their findings were consistent with those of previous ...
Brain Connectivity and Symptom Changes After Transcranial ...
These studies reported good tolerability of the treatment and various effects of rTMS in BPD patients, including improved self-control, emotion regulation, mood ...
TMS and BPD: Can TMS Help Mental Health?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy shows promising but preliminary results for treating BPD symptoms. Research shows that TMS is effective in reducing ...
8.
annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com
annals-general-psychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12991-025-00561-1Non-invasive brain stimulation for borderline personality ...
Preliminary evidence suggests potential efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for BPD, with well-tolerated side effects with well-tolerated side effects.
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