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Kujovic M, Bahr C, Riesbeck M, Benz D, Wingerter L, Deiß M, Margittai Z, Reinermann D, Plewnia C, Meisenzahl E. Effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation add-on to dialectical behavioral therapy in borderline personality disorder: results of a randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01901-0. [PMID: 39297977 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are both effective in borderline personality disorder (BPD). We hypothesized that intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a modified rTMS protocol that provides unilateral stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, would enhance the effects of DBT and reduce BPD-specific symptoms more than sham stimulation. We performed a single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled pilot study to evaluate iTBS as an add-on to 8-week DBT for BPD in routine inpatient treatment. A total of 53 BPD patients were randomly assigned to either iTBS (n = 25) or sham stimulation (n = 28) in weeks 4-8 of DBT; 40 patients were eligible for inclusion in the analyses according to pre-specified criteria (≥ 16 of 20 iTBS sessions). The primary endpoint was change on the 23-item Borderline Symptom List; secondary endpoints were changes in depressive symptoms and general level of functioning. A mixed model repeated measures analysis with a 2 × 2 factorial between-subjects design showed no significant effect of add-on iTBS treatment, but a distinct trend was observed in favor of iTBS (Cohen's d = 0.23 for group difference). We found a main effect of DBT with and without iTBS over time, indicating efficacy of 8 weeks' DBT (d = 0.89-1.12). iTBS may be beneficial as an add-on to DBT in the long term and warrants further evaluation in larger studies. Trial registration Registered at drks.de (no. DRKS00020413) on January 13, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milenko Kujovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Christian Bahr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Benz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Wingerter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martina Deiß
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zsofia Margittai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Plewnia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eva Meisenzahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Leclerc P, Gamache D, Cailhol L. Time to put aside the false dichotomy between personality disorders and psychotic symptoms. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1003-1014. [PMID: 38311863 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Unlike internalizing and externalizing symptoms, psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) are manifestations of personality disorders (PDs) that are more controversial and poorly understood. This leaves clinicians with very little guidance for clinical practice, especially for diagnosis. What is more, most reviews have focused strictly on the links between psychotic symptoms and the categorically defined borderline PD, which contrasts with the growing movement that emphasizes a dimensional perspective (especially in psychology). Thus, the objectives of this critical review will be to (a) expose typical cases where PDs and psychotic symptoms might cooccur; (b) assess the state of scientific knowledge surrounding PD and psychotic symptoms; and (c) provide clinicians and researchers with recommendations to keep the field moving forward. We conclude that researchers and clinicians should move past the false "PD or psychosis" dichotomy since they often cooccur, avoid (as far as possible) making psychotic symptoms an exclusion criterion in PD research to enhance ecological validity, and consider dimensional PD diagnosis as a potential unifying solution to the dilemma posed by this cooccurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Leclerc
- Faculté d'éducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dominick Gamache
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Lionel Cailhol
- Département de psychiatrie, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Lisoni J, Nibbio G, Baldacci G, Cicale A, Zucchetti A, Bertoni L, Calzavara Pinton I, Necchini N, Deste G, Barlati S, Vita A. What impact can brain stimulation interventions have on borderline personality disorder? Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:343-360. [PMID: 38349069 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2316133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, neuropsychological impairment, and interpersonal instability, presenting with multiple psychiatric comorbidities, functional disability and reduced life expectancy due suicidal behaviors. AREAS COVERED In this perspective, the authors explore the application of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) (rTMS, tDCS, and MST) in BPD individuals by considering a symptom-based approach, focusing on general BPD psychopathology, impulsivity and neuropsychological impairments, suicidality and depressive/anxious symptoms, and emotion dysregulation. EXPERT OPINION According to a symptoms-based approach, NIBS interventions (particularly rTMS and tDCS) are promising treatment options for BPD individuals improving core symptoms such as emotional and behavioral dysregulation, neuropsychological impairments and depressive symptoms. However, the heterogeneity of stimulation protocols and of assessment tools used to detect these changes limits the possibility to provide definitive recommendations according to a symptom-based approach. To implement such armamentarium in clinical practice, future NIIBS studies should further consider a lifespan perspective due to clinical variability over time, the role of psychiatric comorbidities affecting BPD individuals and the need to combine NIBS with specialized psychotherapeutic approaches for BPD patients and with functional neuroimaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lisoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Cicale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Zucchetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bertoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Necchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Benster LL, Weissman CR, Stolz LA, Daskalakis ZJ, Appelbaum LG. Pre-clinical indications of brain stimulation treatments for non-affective psychiatric disorders, a status update. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:390. [PMID: 38097566 PMCID: PMC10721798 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have emerged as powerful therapeutic options for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. NIBS are hypothesized to rebalance pathological brain networks thus reducing symptoms and improving functioning. This development has been fueled by controlled studies with increasing size and rigor aiming to characterize how treatments induce clinically effective change. Clinical trials of NIBS for specific indications have resulted in federal approval for unipolar depression, bipolar depression, smoking cessation, and obsessive-compulsive disorder in the United States, and several other indications worldwide. As a rapidly emerging field, there are numerous pre-clinical indications currently in development using a variety of electrical and magnetic, non-convulsive, and convulsive approaches. This review discusses the state-of-the-science surrounding promising avenues of NIBS currently in pre-approval stages for non-affective psychiatric disorders. We consider emerging therapies for psychosis, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder, utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and magnetic seizure therapy (MST), with an additional brief section for early-stage techniques including transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). As revealed in this review, there is considerable promise across all four psychiatric indications with different NIBS approaches. Positive findings are notable for the treatment of psychosis using tDCS, MST, and rTMS. While rTMS is already FDA approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, methodologies such as tDCS also demonstrate potential in this condition. Emerging techniques show promise for treating non-affective disorders likely leading to future regulatory approvals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay L Benster
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, SDSU/UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Cory R Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Louise A Stolz
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, SDSU/UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence G Appelbaum
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, SDSU/UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
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Reinsberg C, Schecklmann M, Abdelnaim MA, Weber FC, Langguth B, Hebel T. Treatment of depression and borderline personality disorder with 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the orbitofrontal cortex - A pilot study. World J Biol Psychiatry 2023; 24:595-602. [PMID: 36920303 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2186484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterised by impairments in emotional regulation, impulse control and interpersonal interaction. Comorbid depression is common. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in the biological substrate of BPD. We investigated the effects of 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the OFC on depressive symptoms and symptoms of BPD in 15 patients suffering from both conditions to assess feasibility and effectiveness. Target treatment intensity was 120% of resting motor threshold (RMT) and intended duration four weeks. Treatment improved both symptoms of depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and of BPD as measured by Borderline Symptom List-23 and Barratt Impulsivity Scale. Drop-out rates were high with 7/15 patients not completing the full course of rTMS, but only two drop-outs were related to treatment. Only a minority of patients tolerated target treatment intensity. Despite the limitations, the results suggest efficacy of treatment and welcome further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Reinsberg
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M A Abdelnaim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - F C Weber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - B Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - T Hebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Veerapandian KD, Tan GXD, Majeed NM, Hartanto A. Executive Function Deficits and Borderline Personality Disorder Symptomatology in a Nonclinical Adult Sample: A Latent Variable Analysis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020206. [PMID: 36831751 PMCID: PMC9953861 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
While borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology has been studied extensively in clinical populations, the mechanisms underlying its manifestation in nonclinical populations remain largely understudied. One aspect of BPD symptomatology in nonclinical populations that has not been well studied is cognitive mechanisms, especially in relation to executive functions. To explore the cognitive mechanisms underlying BPD symptomatology in nonclinical populations, we analysed a large-scale dataset of 233 young adults that were administered with nine executive function tasks and BPD symptomatology assessments. Our structural equation modelling did not find any significant relations between latent factors of executive functions and the severity of BPD symptomatology. Contrary to our hypothesis, our result suggests that deficits in executive functions were not a risk factor for BPD symptomatology in the nonclinical young adult sample.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel X. D. Tan
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore 179873, Singapore
| | - Nadyanna M. Majeed
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Andree Hartanto
- School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, Singapore 179873, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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