Personality disorder

This study tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) approach for people with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that hasn't improved with standard treatments. Ten adults will first undergo brain mapping to find the best stimulation targets, then receive a DBS dev…

This study compares a new blended therapy (online sessions plus in-person visits) to standard in-person therapy for teens with conduct disorder or antisocial behavior. Researchers want to see if the blended approach works just as well at reducing aggression, delinquency, and out-…

This early-stage study is testing whether combining standard psychiatric medications (like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs) with individual cognitive behavioral therapy can improve symptoms and daily functioning in people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disord…

This study tests whether intensive home-based psychiatric treatment can help children and teens with mental health disorders as an alternative to being in the hospital. Over 3 months, participants receive 3 to 7 home visits per week from a team of doctors, therapists, and other s…

This study is testing a step-based care model for 100 people aged 12-25 who are at high risk for psychosis. Participants start with low-intensity support and move to stronger treatments only if needed, with the goal of reaching remission. Researchers will track symptom relief and…

This study tests a family-focused therapy for 220 youth aged 13-25 who show early signs of psychosis risk. The therapy aims to reduce symptoms and prevent the development of full psychosis over 18 months. Participants receive either the family therapy or a comparison treatment, w…

This study explores whether a new type of group therapy, based on Eastern cultural practices, can help people with anxiety disorders. Researchers will enroll 60 participants aged 15 to 55 to test the therapy's effects on anxiety symptoms. The goal is to see if this approach is bo…

This small study will test whether spending time with horses as part of therapy can help inpatients with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) manage their emotions and feel more connected to others. Six participants will take part in six sessions of equine-assisted ps…

This study tests whether tolcapone, a drug used for Parkinson's disease, can reduce symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. About 49 people with moderate to severe OCD will receive either tolcapone or a placebo. The main goal is to see if the drug safely lowers…

This study tests a therapy called RETELL that helps people with severe mental illness explore and reshape their life stories. The goal is to improve personal recovery, quality of life, and identity. Twenty adults with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD will …

This pilot study is testing a type of talk therapy called Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT-ED) for adults with various eating disorders, including those who are underweight. The therapy aims to help people understand and manage the negative thoughts and feelings that driv…

This study looks at two ways of giving schema therapy to people with borderline personality disorder (BPD): one-on-one sessions or a mix of individual and group sessions. The goal is to see which format reduces BPD symptoms more and has fewer people dropping out early. About 132 …

This study tests a program that combines family group sessions with a virtual peer mentoring program for US-born teens (ages 14-17) whose parents resettled as refugees. The goal is to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and behavior problems caused by intergenerational …

This study tests a shortened, 4-week version of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for 12 teens aged 14-18 who have recently harmed themselves or attempted suicide. The goal is to see if this intensive program is practical and helps reduce self-harm, suicide attempts, and depress…

This study tests whether an accelerated schedule of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is safe and effective for treating symptoms of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. About 20 adults aged 18-65 with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or at high risk for psychosi…

This study looks at whether adding a structured therapy journal to standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders feel better faster. About 80 adults in outpatient therapy will be randomly assig…

This pilot study tests a specific type of drama therapy for people who have both a mental health condition (like depression or bipolar disorder) and a substance use disorder. Ten participants will attend weekly group drama therapy sessions for 12 weeks, then put on a performance.…

This early-phase study tests whether MDMA-assisted therapy can help people with pathological narcissism. Twelve adults will receive three monthly MDMA sessions plus therapy, with follow-up over six months. The goal is to see if symptoms improve and if the treatment is safe.

This study tests a 4-session psychological intervention for people with borderline personality disorder who come to the emergency department with suicidal thoughts or self-harm. The therapy focuses on education, problem-solving, and safety planning, and may include a family membe…

This pilot study tests whether gentle magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) can help people with borderline personality disorder better control their emotions and impulses. Up to 20 participants will receive brain scans, up to 3 TMS sessions, and computer tests over about 3 weeks. The…

This study tests a 15-session creative writing program called REWRITALIZE for people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. About 300 adults will either join the writing groups plus their usual care, or stay on a waiting list wit…

This study tests a group therapy called Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) for older adults with psychiatric disorders who feel lonely. The therapy focuses on mindfulness, sharing feelings, and building connections. Researchers want to see if the program is practical and helpful …

This study tests a short-term therapy for adults with borderline personality disorder. After a 2-4 week observation period, 30 participants receive six weekly therapy sessions. Researchers measure symptom changes using clinician and self-report scales, then follow participants fo…

This study tests a quick, non-invasive brain stimulation method called accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS) to see if it can improve mood in people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who are also experiencing a major depressive episode. About 45 adults…

This study combines a type of brain stimulation called rTMS with dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to see if it helps people with borderline personality disorder more than therapy alone. Sixty participants will receive both treatments over several months. Researchers will meas…

This study is testing a new type of therapy called Blended Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (B-DIT) for adults with personality disorders. The therapy mixes face-to-face sessions with online modules over several months. The goal is to see if this approach is acceptable to patients a…

This pilot study looks at whether a nasal spray of oxytocin, sometimes called the 'love hormone,' can improve trust and cooperation in people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). About 40 participants (some with BPD, some healthy) will play a trust game after receiving eit…

This study tests a 10-week program called 'Grow to Recovery' for people with mental illness. The program is co-led by a peer (someone who also has a mental illness) and a professional. Researchers want to see if it helps participants feel more hopeful and capable. 138 people are …

This pilot study uses functional MRI to examine brain activity in trauma-exposed veterans with obsessive-compulsive personality traits, known as overcontrol. Overcontrol can strain relationships and increase suicide risk. The study aims to test whether the brain scanning methods …

This study looks at 60 people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who either respond well to medication, respond to brain stimulation, or don't respond to either. Researchers will take blood samples and turn them into nerve cells in the lab to study how these cells react to …

This study looks at tobacco, cannabis, and other drug use among homeless and at-risk youth in downtown Ottawa. Researchers will follow 520 participants aged 16 and older who are homeless or insecurely housed and have a history of cannabis use and mental illness. The goal is to un…

This study was designed to explore how adolescents with and without borderline personality disorder represent their inner body through drawings, interviews, and questionnaires. It aimed to identify differences in the types and number of organs drawn, as well as emotional or symbo…

This study follows 91 adults with personality disorders who are receiving intensive psychodynamic therapy in a real-world clinic. Researchers want to see if the therapy works as well outside of strict research settings and what specific factors lead to improvement. The goal is to…

This study follows 192 teens aged 12 to 20 who are already receiving either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) for anxiety, depression, or OCD. Researchers will track their progress using questionnaires and interviews over 9 months. The goal is to…

This study looks at two ways to train therapists who work with people with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The goal is to see if extra practice and feedback can help therapists better notice and respond to problems in the therapy relationship. About 80 therapists in Canada…

This study follows 120 people in group therapy for alcohol use disorder to see which patient factors—like mental health, drinking severity, personality, or thinking skills—predict who finishes treatment and stays sober a year later. Researchers hope to learn how to match patients…