Brain zaps without zaps: neurofeedback shows promise for borderline personality disorder

NCT ID NCT05398627

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Kymberly Young Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether real-time brain feedback (rtfMRI) could help people with borderline personality disorder increase brain activity in the amygdala while recalling happy memories. Thirty adults with the condition completed the training over several weeks. The goal was to see if this could reduce borderline symptoms and depression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: real-time fMRI neurofeedback device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help people with borderline personality disorder feel better by training their brain to respond more strongly to positive memories.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The training requires specialized brain scanning, which is not widely available.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

borderline personality disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.