The Effects of Methylphenidate on Symptomatology in Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder

NCT ID: NCT06759298

Last Updated: 2025-01-06

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: EARLY_PHASE1
• Total Enrollment: 60 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-01-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-03-25

Brief Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of methylphenidate on symptomatology in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Specifically, it will evaluate whether Concerta is effective in reducing impulsivity, mood instability, and inattention among patients with BPD. Additionally, the study will assess Concerta's safety profile in this population to determine its potential as a supportive pharmacological option in BPD management.

Detailed Description

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in mood, self-image, interpersonal relationships, and behavior.

Individuals with BPD often experience intense episodes of anger, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to impulsive behaviors, self-harm, and strained social relationships. These symptoms significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life(American Psychiatric Association, 2013). creating a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems(Lieb et al., 2004).

. While psychotherapy remains the primary treatment for BPD, pharmacological interventions are often utilized to address specific symptoms, such as mood instability, impulsivity, and inattention.

Traditional medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers have shown varying levels of efficacy in treating BPD, but no medication is currently approved specifically for BPD treatment(Chapman, 2019).. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative pharmacological options that may alleviate specific symptom clusters within BPD (Fleischhaker et al., 2011).

methylphenidate, a long-acting formulation of methylphenidate commonly prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has shown promising effects on attention, impulsivity, and mood regulation(Hirsch & Hauschild, 2019).

These effects suggest it may be beneficial in managing certain BPD symptoms, particularly impulsivity and mood dysregulation. Preliminary studies have indicated that stimulant medications like methylphenidate may help some individuals with BPD improve focus and control impulsive behaviors, but comprehensive research on methylphenidate's efficacy and safety in this population remains limited(Wilens, Morrison, & Prince, 2011).

Conditions

Borderline Personality Disorder

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Concerta Group

Participants will receive a starting dose of Concerta (18 mg/day), which may be titrated based on clinical response and tolerance, up to a maximum of 54 mg/day. tablet form once daily for 3 months

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

methylphenidate

Intervention Type: DRUG

patient group will recieve methylphenidate

Placebo Group

Participants in the placebo group will receive a matched placebo tablet

Group Type: PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

matched placebo tablet

Intervention Type: DRUG

placebo gtoup will recieve matched placebo tablet

Interventions

methylphenidate

patient group will recieve methylphenidate

Intervention Type: DRUG

matched placebo tablet

placebo gtoup will recieve matched placebo tablet

Intervention Type: DRUG

Other Intervention Names

Concerta

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• • Individuals aged 18-50 years.

• Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as confirmed by a structured clinical interview.
• Experiencing at least moderate levels of impulsivity and mood instability.
• Not currently receiving stimulant medication or any pharmacotherapy specifically contraindicated with methylphenidate.
• Capable of providing informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

• • Diagnosed with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders where Concerta is typically prescribed.

• Severe co-morbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or substance use disorder.
• Known hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or other stimulant medications.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Individuals currently undergoing intensive psychotherapy or those unwilling to discontinue existing psychotropic medications that may interact with Concerta.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Tanta University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Osama Ibrahim Younes

lecturer of psychiatry

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Central Contacts

Osama Ibrahim Younes

Role: CONTACT

osamaebrahim2012@gmail.com

01024188789

References

Lieb K, Zanarini MC, Schmahl C, Linehan MM, Bohus M. Borderline personality disorder. Lancet. 2004 Jul 31-Aug 6;364(9432):453-61. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(04)16770-6.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 15288745 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

methylphenidate in borderline

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id