Title
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Borderline Personality Disorder
SSRIs and Self-harm in Borderline Personality Disorder
Phase
Phase 2Lead Sponsor
University of ChicagoStudy Type
InterventionalStatus
Terminated Results PostedIndication/Condition
Borderline Personality DisorderIntervention/Treatment
escitalopram ...Study Participants
70The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram (also known by the trade name "Lexapro") in reducing desire to self-harm and actual self-harming among young adults with borderline personality disorder who are also currently depressed. Subjects will receive either escitalopram or placebo for eight weeks. During this time subjects will be make weekly visits to see the psychiatrist and record their thoughts and feelings several times each day using an electronic diary.
10-20 mg of escitalopram daily for eight weeks (10mg for the first 2 weeks, 20mg thereafter)
10-20 mg of escitalopram for eight weeks (10mg for the first 2 weeks, 20mg thereafter)
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Current Major Depression Exclusion Criteria: Past 2 months SSRI use Past 6 months non-SSRI antidepressant use Past 2 months initiation of psychotherapy Lifetime bipolar disorder, organic disorder, psychotic disorder Current alcohol or drug dependence Current severe suicidal / homicidal ideation necessitating immediate medical intervention Currently pregnancy or nursing Unable or unwilling to cooperate with study protocol
| Event Type | Organ System | Event Term |
|---|
Self-harm ideation was measured by electronic diaries (EMA) up to four times a day. Each time a person completed an EMA diary they were asked to rate their urge to hurt themselves on a 5 point scale ( 0 to 4) pad where 0 is not at all, 2 is moderately and 4 is extremely strong.
Depressive symptoms was assessed via (a) electronic diary (i.e. sum of eight POMS-D items: sad, unhappy, blue, hopeless, discouraged, miserable, helpless and worthless rated using 0-4 scale above) and (b) weekly interview(Hamilton depression rating)
