Phase II
The effects of MDMA on social cognition in Borderline Personality Disorder
- Study IRB#:2000037769
- Last Updated:04/09/2026
The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effects of one dose of oral MDMA (3,4-methyl enedioxymethamphetamine) on emotions, experiences, and behavior in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This is not a treatment study and there is no psychotherapy as part of the study. The study may have no direct therapeutic benefits to you, though we hope this study will increase future understanding of MDMA and BPD.
Contact Us
For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:
Manisha Gupta
Help Us Discover!
You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile, or contact helpusdiscover@yale.edu, or call +18779788343 for more information.
Eligibility Criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following inclusion criteria:
- Age 18-60 years
- Body weight between 110 and 210 pounds. Minimum BMI 16.5.
- Able to swallow pills.
- Must provide a contact (relative, spouse, close friend or other support person) who is willing and able to be reached by the investigators in the event of a participant becoming suicidal or unreachable and must sign release of information for this contact person.
- People of childbearing potential must agree to utilize a highly effective method of birth control (including the following, in accordance with CTFG guidelines: combined estrogen and progestogen containing hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, including oral, intravaginal, and transdermal administrations; estrogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, including oral, injectable, and implantable forms; intrauterine device (IUD); intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS); bilateral tubal occlusion; vasectomized partner; abstinence from sexual activity with biological males) and for one month prior to dosing and for the duration of the two week follow-up period.
- Able to provide written informed consent according to Yale IRB guidelines.
- Able to read and write English proficiently.
- Meets criteria for borderline personality disorder upon study assessment.
- No exposure to MDMA in the last 6 months, and no more than 10 lifetime uses of ecstasy.
- Agree not to drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours after the treatment day. Agree to identify a support person to accompany them home after the medication day.
- Are willing to remain overnight at the study site after each experimental session until the next morning if recommended by the study physician.
- Currently not taking contraindicated medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants).
- Medications not on the contraindicated list must be reviewed and approved by the study PI
- For people in mental health care, signs releases for the study investigators to communicate with their mental healthcare provider and medical doctor(s) about their medical and mental health history and their mental and medical status during the study. When contacted, the mental healthcare provider confirms the ongoing treatment relationship.
- For people not in mental health care acknowledges receipt of local resources for mental healthcare.
- For all participants, acknowledges receipt of local emergency resources.
