Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of a Difficult to Treat Condition, Borderline Personality Disorder.

BACKGROUND

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in affect regulation and interpersonal relationships, poor self-image and behavioral control, self-injurious behavior, suicidality, and other high-risk behaviors. It is also characterized by a high mortality rate by suicide.

METHODS

The published literature on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), theta-burst stimulation (TBS), and deep TMS in the treatment of BPD were reviewed.

RESULTS

Four clinical studies (2 randomized trials and 2 case studies) with limited sample sizes found that TMS and TBS were safe and potentially effective in the reduction of symptoms of BPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limited clinical evidence for efficacy on the basis of the results of these studies, future controlled studies involving larger samples and optimal stimulus parameters should be designed to confirm the short-term and long-term safety and efficacy of repetitive TMS and TBS in the treatment of BPD.