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Recruiting NCT04870255

NCT04870255 Treatment of Acute Mood Depressive Episode in Borderline Personality Disorder With rTMS

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT04870255
Status Recruiting
Phase —
Sponsor Stanford University
Condition Depressive Disorder, Major
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 45 participants
Start Date 2021-07-20
Primary Completion 2026-12

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 80 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (L-DLPFC)Dorsomedial Prefrontal Cortex (DMPFC)Sham Stimulation

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 45 participants in total. It began in 2021-07-20 with a primary completion date of 2026-12.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

This study evaluates the antidepressant effects of an accelerated schedule of theta-burst stimulation, termed accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS), in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or trait and comorbid mood depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar II disorder in a current mood depressive episode (MDE).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or Female, between the ages of 18 and 80 at the time of screening. * Able to read, understand, and provide written, dated informed consent prior to screening. Proficiency in English sufficient to complete questionnaires / follow instructions during fMRI assessments and aiTBS interventions. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures, including availability for the duration of the study, and to communicate with study personnel about adverse events and other clinically important information. * Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar II, or unspecified depressive disorder AND Borderline Personality Disorder or trait, with a current Mood Depressive Episode (MDE), according to the criteria defined in the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5). * MADRS score of ≥20 at screening (Visit 1). * TMS naive. * Access to ongoing psychiatric care before and after completion of the study. * Access to clinical rTMS after study completion. * In good general health, as evidenced by medical history. * For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation. * Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations (see section 5.3) throughout study duration. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * The presence or diagnosis of prominent anxiety disorder, personality disorder, or dysthymia * Current severe insomnia (must sleep a minimum of 5 hours each night before stimulation) * Current mania or psychosis * Bipolar I Disorder and primary psychotic disorders. * Autism Spectrum disorder or Intellectual Disability * A diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) * Current moderate or severe substance use disorder or demonstrating signs of acute substance withdrawal. * Urine screening test positive for illicit substances. * Any history of ECT (greater than 8 sessions) without meeting responder criteria * Recent (during the current depressive episode) or concurrent use of a rapid acting antidepressant agent (i.e., ketamine or a course of ECT). * History of significant neurologic disease, including dementia, Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, brain tumor, unexpected seizure/epilepsy disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or history of significant head trauma. * Untreated or insufficiently treated endocrine disorder. * Contraindications to receiving rTMS (e.g., metal in head, history of seizure, known brain lesion) * Contraindications to MRI (ferromagnetic metal in their body). * Any current or past history of any physical condition which in the investigator's opinion might put the subject at risk or interfere with study results interpretation. * Depth-adjusted aiTBS treatment dose \> 65% maximum stimulator output (MSO) * Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within the study period. * Any other condition deemed by the PI to interfere with the study or increase risk to the participant.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Bora Kim, MD, MAS

✉ borakim2@stanford.edu

📞 650-800-6929

Principal Investigator

David Spiegel, MD

STUDY DIRECTOR

Stanford University

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT04870255 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Depressive Disorder, Major. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT04870255 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT04870255 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at borakim2@stanford.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT04870255 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Stanford, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT04870255 clinical trial?

NCT04870255 is sponsored by Stanford University. The principal investigator is David Spiegel, MD at Stanford University. The trial plans to enroll 45 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: November 2026  ·  Data Methodology