Related Experiment Videos
Fluoxetine trial in borderline personality disorder
J R Cornelius1, P H Soloff, J M Perel
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study suggests fluoxetine may effectively treat depressive and impulsive symptoms in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, its efficacy for hostility, psychotic symptoms, and anxiety in BPD requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) exhibits symptoms linked to serotonin dysregulation, such as mood swings and aggression.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine offer a potential treatment avenue for these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the preliminary efficacy of fluoxetine in treating core symptoms of BPD.
- To explore the role of serotonin in the behavioral and affective dyscontrol characteristic of BPD.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary open-label medication trial involving 5 patients diagnosed with BPD.
- Treatment with fluoxetine (20-40 mg daily) for 8 weeks, with weekly symptom assessments.
Main Results:
- Fluoxetine showed suggested efficacy in alleviating depressive and impulsive symptoms in BPD patients.
- Results were mixed regarding fluoxetine's effectiveness against hostility and psychotic symptoms.
- No significant effectiveness was observed for anxiety, phobic anxiety, or interpersonal sensitivity symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Fluoxetine may be a beneficial treatment for specific symptom clusters in BPD, particularly depression and impulsivity.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore optimal treatment strategies for BPD.