NCT06772831 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Cognitive Reappraisal Training for Borderline Personality (BPD)
What this study is about
Previous work by the group convinced the researchers to pursue development of focused cognitive reappraisal training as a novel approach to treatment of BPD, either as stand-alone treatment or in concert with evidence-based treatments of BPD.
View original scientific description
Previous work by the group convinced the researchers to pursue development of focused cognitive reappraisal training as a novel approach to treatment of BPD, either as stand-alone treatment or in concert with evidence-based treatments of BPD. The present proposal aims to refine and test a proposed clinical intervention for BPD patients, training in reappraisal-by-distancing, in terms of its ability to influence hypothesized neural and behavioral targets and, once that is established, to demonstrate its ability improve clinically relevant outcome measures.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Cognitive Reappraisal by Distancing
Reappraisal-by-distancing treatment. Patients meet 2 times a week for 6 weeks to learn reappraisal by distancing through repeated practice with negative emotional pictures. The therapist will help model and shape the technique.
BEHAVIORAL
Downregulate condition
Patients either meet 2x a week for 6- weeks to gain added practice, under the guidance of a therapist, using their customary emotion regulatory strategies to downregulate their negative reactions to aversive pictures.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Picture Induced Negative Emotion Signature (PINES) Network Activity
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks of treatment
Change in Picture Induced Negative Emotion Signature (PINES) network activity. by measuring neural activation using fMRI.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Medically healthy men and women with Borderline Personality Disorder who are mentally competent and give informed voluntary written consent.
- Participants will be between the ages of 18 and 55.
- Within these requirements, the inclusion and
Exclusion criteria
- do not reflect participation based on gender or racial/ethnic group. The targeted/planned enrollment is a reflection of previous recruitment of female and ethnic minorities in other studies conducted by the PI and their colleagues and includes representations of both genders and all minorities.
- Participants with comorbid avoidant personality disorder will be included.
- Participants who meet criteria for PTSD will be included as long as they are not actively experiencing symptoms. Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants will not meet criteria for Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
- Participants currently meeting criteria for Major Depressive Disorder will be excluded.
- BPD participants will not meet DSM-5 criteria for present PTSD, bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, substance use disorder within the past 6 months, organic mental syndromes, head trauma, schizotypal personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, CNS neurological disease, or seizure disorder. Participants meeting criteria for a non-IV substance use disorder more than 6 months prior to enrollment will not be excluded. This study allows patients who are currently taking psychotropic medications or are in psychotherapy, so long as there has been no change in medication or psychotherapy over the preceding two months.
- Participants currently meeting criteria for major depressive disorder.
- Participants meeting criteria for substance use disorder within the last 6 months or of an IV-substance use disorder at any time.
- Participants may not have a pacemaker, surgical clips, any metallic implants, or shrapnel fragments that would contraindicate MRI scanning.
- Pregnant women.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
William Marsh Rice University, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 3, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations