Clinical Research Study to Evaluate Selegiline in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic disorder occurring in 2-3% of the population. BPD is accompanied by high levels of co-existing psychiatric and physical disorders. One key predictor is persistent and recurring major depressive disorder. Since BPD is most closely linked with mood disorders and depression in particular, the use of antidepressant medications to treat the disorder is logical. However, to date, there are no FDA approved treatments for BPD. The American Psychiatric Association's Treatment Guidelines for Borderline Personality Disorder recommend antidepressants as a primary treatment of the disorder. Earlier trials using antidepressants that increase certain brain chemicals, such as, serotonin and noradrenalin have shown efficacy in controlling the mood swings of the illness for many people. These studies also document efficacy in controlling physical disorders, including headaches, migraines, irritable bowel, neurodermatitis (skin rash), fibromyalgia, premenstrual syndrome, and tempomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). group of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have also been shown to be effective in BPD patients. The oral form of these medications was accompanied by dietary restrictions, potential drug interactions, blood pressure changes and weight gain. Selegiline, a MAOI antidepressant, was put into a skin patch delivery system (transdermal) that reduced the side-effect profile. Trials without placebo control showed many individuals with BPD benefit from the selegiline skin patch. This trial will look at individuals on the selegiline and placebo to make sure the selegiline is or is not effective in treating BPD.