MDMA in Borderline Personality Disorder

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) on social cognition in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults between the ages of 18-60 years
* Body weight between 110 and 210 pounds. Minimum body mass index (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 Clinical Trials Facilitation and Coordination Group (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.
* Diagnosis of BPD, as determined by the Diagnostic Interview for Personality Disorders BPD questions (DIPD), including endorsement of the criteria for abandonment fears and for stormy relationships.
* 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 unmedicated (no prescribed medication for any psychiatric and medical conditions) except for hormonal contraceptives.
* Has a mental healthcare provider with at least monthly visits and agrees to remain in treatment with that provider while enrolled in the study.
* 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder or currently exhibiting psychotic features as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM5 (SCID-5) and/or clinician assessment.
* History of bipolar disorder or any primary psychotic disorder in first-degree relative.
* Lifetime diagnosis of autism.
* Lifetime history of learning disability, mental retardation, or attention deficit disorder.
* Serious suicide risk in the past 6 months, as assessed by Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) type 4 or 5 ideation, or suicidal behavior (CSSRS item) or preparatory acts (CSSRS item).
* Any substance use disorder during the 6 months prior to screening per SCID interview for alcohol or non-alcohol substances; or a positive pre-study (screening) urine drug screen.
* Any significant history of serious medical or neurological illness (including history of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, family history of long-QT syndrome, etc.)
* Any signs of major medical or neurological illness on examination, ECG screening, or laboratory tests. For QTc, we would exclude for QTcf \>450. For liver function tests (AST, ALT), we will exclude for values more than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal range for our laboratory. For kidney function, we would exclude for eGFR \< 90 (n.b. our laboratory does use the contemporary non-race based formula for eGFR). Clinically significant electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium values out of range) will also be exclusionary (clinical significance to be determined by study MD review). A participant with a clinical abnormality may be included only if the study physician considers the abnormality will not introduce additional risk factors and will not interfere with the study procedure.
* History of valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension (due to evidence of 5HT2B receptor agonism by MDMA)
* History of hypertension with baseline blood pressure above 130 mmHg (systolic) and over 90 mmHg (diastolic). Any history of syncope and/or study baseline blood pressure below 90 mmHg (systolic).
* History of tachycardia with baseline heart rate above 90 beats per minute.
* Current pregnancy or breastfeeding as assessed by patient report or by urine pregnancy test.
* Any prescribed medications other than hormonal contraceptives (All medications must have been stopped at least 5 half-lives prior to drug administration day.)
* Hypersensitivity to non-MDMA ingredients of the investigational medicine product (IMP), namely mannitol, magnesium stearate, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
* Herbal and dietary supplements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the sponsor-PI for decision about safety.