Mood and Personality Research Study

STUDY BASICS

Have you been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or experience intense emotions and mood swings? If you are between the ages of 18-45, you may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about the emotional experiences of people who have symptoms of borderline personality disorder. This study involves interviews and neuroimaging assessments via fMRI and EEG.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to gather information about moods, behaviors, personality traits, and biological factors that may be related to a condition known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Researchers will compare people with and without psychiatric disorders, and hope that these findings will lead to improved assessments and treatments for people with BPD.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Experiencing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (troubled personal relationships, chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom, difficulty controlling anger or frustration, mood swings, self-destructive or impulsive behaviors, or history of self-inflicted pain or injury)
• Willing and able to have an MRI scan
• Have a smartphone

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation includes multiple visits. During the first few virtual visits (up to three), a member of the study team will assess your eligibility for the study with questionnaires and interviews.

If you qualify for the study, you will be scheduled for two in-person visits. You will be asked to undergo an fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. An fMRI scan is an imaging technique for measuring brain function. You will also be asked to participate in an EEG (Electroencephalogram) session. EEG is a technique used to monitor electrical signals produced by the brain. Both the fMRI and EEG are non-invasive, and neither of these techniques involve radiation.

Participants will also be enrolled in an EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) protocol. The EMA will consist of completing surveys on your smartphone multiple times a day for the first 15 days and then one daily diary for the remaining 85 days. You will also be given a Fitbit watch to wear that will monitor your sleep and activity patterns.