Cognitive Control of Negative Stimuli in BPD

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Cognitive Control of Negative Stimuli in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by impairments in the cognitive control of negative information. These impairments in cognitive control are presumably due to blunted activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) along with enhanced activations of the limbic system. However, the impact of an excitatory stimulation of the dlPFC still needs to be elucidated. In the present study, we therefore assigned 50 patients with BPD and 50 healthy controls to receive either anodal or sham stimulation of the right dlPFC in a double-blind, randomized, between-subjects design.

Inclusion Criteria Borderline Personality Disorder:

• Diagnosis of borderline personality disorder

Exclusion Criteria Borderline Personality Disorder:

• Diagnosis of current or previous bipolar disorder
• Diagnosis of current substance dependency
• Diagnosis of current major depression
• Diagnosis of current or previous neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy)
• Tattoos or scarred skin on the left shoulder or scalp (i.e. F4)

Inclusion Criteria Control Participants:

• No current or previous diagnosis of a mental disorder

Exclusion Criteria Control Participants:

• More than 2 criteria of borderline personality disorder are met
• Diagnosis of current or previous neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy)
• Intake of psychotropic medication
• Tattoos or scarred skin on the left shoulder or scalp (i.e. F4)