Sage for Borderline Personality Disorder

This trial tests a new therapy called Sage, designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and their partners. Sage aims to improve BPD symptoms, reduce relationship conflict, and enhance partner mental health. The study compares the effectiveness of Sage to standard supportive individual therapy (SIP). Couples where one partner has BPD and experiences frequent relationship conflicts might be well-suited for this trial. Participants should live in Ontario, have regular internet access, and be willing to engage in therapy sessions together. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important advancements in BPD therapy.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently receiving an empirically-supported BPD treatment, you must pause it during the active treatment phase of the study.

Research has shown that the Sage treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is under careful study to ensure safety and effectiveness. An earlier study tested Sage with individuals who have BPD and their partners, and the results suggested it is safe and may be beneficial.

The Sage treatment prioritizes safety by focusing on reducing harmful behaviors, such as suicide attempts, making safety a key part of its design. Although more detailed safety information from larger studies is needed, these early results are encouraging. Sage aims to improve emotional and relationship health for people with BPD and their partners, potentially making it a comprehensive treatment option.

Researchers are excited about the Sage treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) because it combines psychotherapy with a focus on improving relationship dynamics, which is a novel approach. Unlike traditional therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which primarily focus on the individual's symptoms, Sage aims to enhance relationship functioning alongside treating BPD. This dual focus has the potential to address both the personal and interpersonal challenges faced by individuals with BPD, potentially leading to more comprehensive and lasting improvements.

Research has shown that Sage, one of the therapies studied in this trial, may help treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). In a previous study, participants experienced improvements in BPD symptom severity, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behavior. About half of the couples reported less conflict in their relationships. Sage addresses emotional and relationship issues, which are crucial for managing BPD. This approach could benefit both individuals with BPD and their partners by addressing mental health together. Participants in this trial will receive either Sage or Supportive Individual Psychotherapy (SIP), which involves individual sessions for both the person with BPD and their partner.¹⁴⁵⁶⁷