Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.

If you are interested in being notified if this study begins recruiting from the general population, please use the 'I Am Interested' button below.

Do You Suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder? Psychotherapy Study.

We are recruiting subjects with borderline personality disorder (BPD) to be part of a group psychotherapy research study. Aim: to try to improve the treatment of borderline personality disorder.

McLean Hospital Mental Health Personality Disorders
22 sessions over 15 months
Estimated Time Commitment
Male, Female, 18-years or older
May Be Eligible
Payment up to $200
May Be Offered
Group discussion (e.g., focus group), Survey
May Be Required
 
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This project is not recruiting.

Overview

What we are studying

In this psychotherapy study, we are evaluating different types of therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Specifically, we will test the effectiveness and acceptability of two group therapies. One is based on Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT), which is an evidence-based treatment for BPD. The other is called MBT Plus. It too will be based on MBT, and the Plus is for flourishing, which is an effort to help people become more accepting of themselves and others as well as to function more effectively. We hope for people to attain these goals through the teaching of virtues. 


Subjects will be randomized into one of these two treatments. Each group will have eight members and two group leaders. The groups will last for one year and they will be Zoom-based.


Why it is important

Currently, there is a lack of focus on social and vocational achievement in evidence-based treatments for BPD. As a result, many people with BPD struggle to maintain close relationships, hold their jobs, and attend school. Therefore, is important to research a treatment with a focus on flourishing in hopes of improving overall outcomes for people with BPD. 


 


 


What we hope to accomplish

We hope to assess whether the virtues of forgiveness, gratitude, and humility are potential mechanisms of change for promoting flourishing and improved mentalization in people with BPD.

Principal Investigator

Mary C Zanarini, Ed.D.

McLean Hospital

Public Profile

Who can participate

Male and female adults 18 years of age or older who are experiencing symptoms of BPD, such as feeling angry a lot of the time, being distrustful of others or feeling numb, having problems with impulsivity (e.g., spending sprees, eating binges, breaking things), and having stormy close relationships.

Who cannot participate

Participants cannot participate in this study if they have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I disorder, or a current serious substance use disorder. 


 

What you may be asked to do

This study involves an interview about participants' background and psychiatric history. It also includes training on MBT and flourishing, and a randomized MBT group treatment, with or without an added focus on flourishing. Participants will also be asked to complete 9 surveys once a month, which take 10 minutes to complete. All aspects of the study will be conducted on Zoom except self-reports, which are taken on the online REDCap program. 


Project activities may include:

  • Group discussion (e.g., focus group)
  • Survey

Estimated Time Commitment

22 sessions over 15 months

What You May Get

Participants will receive up to $200 for their participation. 

Location


Travel

  • No travel required

Travel and Parking Details

Additional Information

Participating Institutions


Funding Source

  • Foundation
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