None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to verify the presence of cardiovascular alterations in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), comparing them with healthy control subjects. The objective is to determine whether the cardiovascular abnormalities observed in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) – already reported in the literature – are specific to this disorder. In particular, the study aims to assess whether these abnormalities are directly related to the presence of BPD, its main symptoms, psychopathological dimensions such as perceived stress, or remote traumatic experiences.
Interventions
The study involves the patient participating in a clinical interview to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by an interview to introduce the project. After completing preliminary interview for collecting biographical and clinical data ( such as duration of illness, number of hospital admissions, psychiatric history, and current and past psychopharmacological treatments), psychometric scales will be administered to assess the core symptoms of the disorder and early traumatic experi
The study involves the patient participating in a clinical interview to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by an interview to introduce the project. After completing preliminary interview for collecting biographical and clinical data ( such as duration of illness, number of hospital admissions, psychiatric history, and current and past psychopharmacological treatments), psychometric scales will be administered to assess the core symptoms of the disorder and early traumatic experiences, then echocardiographic assessment will be performed using the STE (grain tracking echocardiography) technique to measure the global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the left ventricle. The three similar sessions will be performed with the control cases. Medical, biographical and Clinical data will be collected, including initial outpatient interview (60 minutes) (BPDSI) - Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index (BPDSI) – 10 minutes (CTQ) - Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ) – 10 minutes (PSS-10) - Perceived Stress Scale – 15 minutes Echocardiographic assessment using the STE (speckle tracking echocardiography) – 25 minuti The assessment through testing will be conducted in a single session. This session will be preceded by an introductory meeting to present the project. A clinical and medical history form was completed for all patients. Specifically, data were collected on age, gender, BMI, years of schooling, employment status, duration of illness, number of hospitalisations, psychiatric history, and current and past psychopharmacological treatments. All available sources of information (patients, family members, medical records, mental health professionals) were used to compile the records. Case Group: 30 patients (age between 18 and 40 years), diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) according to DSM-5 criteria, ascertained by an experienced psychiatrist.
Sponsors
University of Turin
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
BPD patients: Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) according to DSM-5 criteria, ascertained by an experienced psychiatrist. Diagnostic confirmation through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders (SCID-5-PD). Patients newly admitted to the facility, in the diagnostic phase and prior to the initiation of psychopharmacological therapy, to minimize possible confounding metabolic effects Healthy controls: Absence of any current or past psychiatric disorder per DSM-5 criteria. Matched with BPD participants for age, sex, and educational level. Voluntary participation without monetary compensation.
Exclusion criteria
BPD patients: Presence of other neuropsychiatric comorbidities (neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive, schizophrenia spectrum, or bipolar disorders) per DSM-5 criteria. Ongoing major depressive episode and/or active substance use disorder. Current medication potentially altering metabolic or cardiovascular parameters. Documented cardiovascular or metabolic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, arrhythmias). Healthy controls: Presence of neuropsychiatric comorbidities per DSM-5 (neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive disorders). Current or past psychiatric disorder. History or evidence of cardiovascular disease. Metabolic alterations that significantly increase cardiovascular risk (e.g., obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
Outcome results
None listed