tDCS for Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder
(TENTADIS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a non-invasive treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to determine its effectiveness in reducing depression in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Participants will use a device at home for 14 sessions over a week, which may improve mood, anxiety, and daily activities. The trial will also assess whether a smartwatch can track any improvements. Individuals with BPD who have moderate depression and can use a device at home may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance future treatments for BPD.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you maintain a stable medication and therapy routine, so you won't need to stop your current medications. However, if you are using benzodiazepines, you cannot participate in the trial.
What prior data suggests that this tDCS is safe for treating depression and BPD?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe for treating conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). In past studies, tDCS reduced symptoms such as impulsivity and aggression in people with BPD, proving to be a safe and effective method. For those with MDD, tDCS was a safe and affordable treatment option.
Researchers have also tested tDCS in patients with severe bipolar depression who had suicidal thoughts. The results were positive, with only minor side effects reported. Overall, evidence suggests that tDCS is a well-tolerated treatment with very few negative effects for various mental health conditions.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) for depression and borderline personality disorder because it offers a non-invasive way to potentially improve symptoms. Unlike traditional medications, which often target chemical imbalances in the brain, tDCS uses electrical currents to gently modulate brain activity. This method might provide faster results and fewer side effects compared to typical antidepressants or mood stabilizers. The use of a sham tDCS group also helps researchers understand the true effectiveness of the active treatment, adding a layer of scientific rigor to the findings.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for depression and BPD?
Research has shown that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a treatment participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce symptoms in people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Studies have found that tDCS improves emotional stability by aiding emotional control and reducing impulsive behavior. In people with depression, tDCS has produced positive results, suggesting potential benefits for those with both BPD and depression. While these findings are encouraging, further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of tDCS for these conditions.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and moderate depression, who can use a tDCS device independently, have internet access and a smartphone. They must meet DSM-IV criteria for BPD, have stable mental health care, speak French or English, and be able to consent.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 14 sessions of either active or sham tDCS over two weeks, delivered at home
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and during follow-ups up to three months
Exploratory Assessment
Exploratory objectives include assessing the impact on neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning, anxiety, physical activity, sleep disorders, and addiction
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Psychoeducation
- Sham-tDCS
- tDCS
- Treatment as Usual (TAU)
Trial Overview
The study tests if home-based tDCS sessions can reduce depressive symptoms in BPD patients. It compares active tDCS against sham treatment over one week. Participants will also try an online psychoeducational program and wear smartwatches to measure outcomes like sleep and physical activity.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
14 sessions of active tDCS, twice daily, each lasting 30 minutes and separated by an interval of minimum at 2 hours. Ideally, sessions will be scheduled at the same time each day.
14 sessions of sham tDCS, twice daily, each lasting 30 minutes and separated by an interval of minimum at 2 hours. Ideally, sessions will be scheduled at the same time each day.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Borderline ...
Preliminary empirical evidence suggests that prefrontal stimulation is effective in alleviating emotional dysregulation among patients with BPD ...
Effectiveness of bipolar-balanced prefrontal tDCS in ...
Preliminary evidence suggested that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) could improve Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) symptoms, including ...
Effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on ...
Direct current electrical brain stimulation was found to reduce emotional instability in these groups, leading to improved emotional stability ...
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation was associated with positive outcomes among patients with MDD and DPC ...
Non-invasive brain stimulation for borderline personality ...
Regarding impulsivity, tDCS 2 mA showed a significant reduction compared to the control group (MD = -11.67, 95% CI [-21.44, -1.90]). For ...
Change in core symptoms of borderline personality ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation improves impulsivity in healthy subjects. •. Prefrontal stimulation reduces impulsivity and aggression in borderline ...
Evaluating the effects of tDCS on depressive and anxiety ...
These findings highlight tDCS interventions as a safe, cost-effective, and viable treatment option for individuals diagnosed with MDD and ...
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ...
The tDCS was effective as an antisuicide treatment for acute bipolar depression patients with suicidal ideation, with minimal side effects reported.
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