None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study draws on the observation that there are genetic, clinical and neuropsychological similarities between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since psychostimulants such as methylphenidate are the mainstay of treatment of ADHD, it is proposed that psychostimulants be trialed in a population of female adolescents with BPD, with the intention of enhancing our understanding of BPD and providing a novel treatment option for this difficult-to-treat condition. Hypothesis: That selected patients with BPD will respond positively to a trial of methylphenidate.
Interventions
All eligible patients will receive methylphenidate IR (immediate release oral tablet) treatment for 12 weeks, at an initial dose of 0.5mg/kg/day, correct to the
nearest 5mg, in 2 divided doses, and increased over 4 weeks, at the discretion of the researcher based on the severity of illness and response to the prescribed dose; to a maximum of 1mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses.
Sponsors
Concord Hospital, Department of Psychiatry
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
12 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Adolescent females with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
Exclusion criteria
- Comorbid diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, clinically evident mental retardation or a tick disorder. - Comorbid diagnosis of a significant medical disorder, such as active hepatic or renal disease, dementia, serious head injury or active cancer. - Marked previous or current anxiety or psychotic symptoms.
Outcome results
None listed