Summary

The study aims to investigate the brain activation patterns of people suffering from personality disorders.

What is the study about?

This study looks at how people with personality disorders think and act with others. It uses easy computer games and short questions to learn about trust. It also hopes to learn more about choices, and feelings. The study also looks at people who do not have these disorders. This is to see what is different or the same about the results. The aim is to learn more about the brain. It also hopes to learn more about how people make decisions in social events. This could help make treatments better. This may also support people to feel safer and be more social. This is an online study. People who take part may take breaks if needed. Those taking part will be paid for their time.

What is the study trying to find out?

This study wants to find out why people with personality disorders might struggle socially. It also wants to see why they might find it hard to trust. The study is looking for trends in the brain and thinking. It uses using surveys and online tasks to do this. These also check how people make choices with others. The results could give more data about the brain. The results allow us check the difference between people with and without these disorders. This can help us learn how to make care better. This could also help people to feel safe.

What does taking part involve?

To take part:

• You will first read an information sheet.
• If you agree to join, you will sign an online consent form.
• You will get login details for the study website
• You will answer some surveys about your thoughts, feelings, and life events.
• These surveys will take about 2–3 hours in total. You can do them in parts and take breaks.
• After the surveys you will play four simple computer games.
• The games look at trust, choices, and how people interact. Each game takes about 20–30 minutes.
• You can do this all online at home. If you want, you can come to the research centre. If you decide to go to the centre, you will do the same tasks in person.
• When you finish, you will get a debrief sheet and your payment.
• You will be paid up to £70. Your travel costs will be covered if you decide to go to the centre in person.

You can decide at any time that you no longer want to take part. Changing your mind about the study will not affect your care in anyway.

Who is it for?

You can take part in this study if:

• You are aged 18 to 60
• AND you have a have borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• OR a have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

We hope to find around  700 adults with these disorders and 500 adults without to take part.

Why is it important?

This study is important because it looks at why people with personality disorders may find it hard to trust or get along with others. These issues can make life very difficult. It could also lead to social harm. Research like this can help find trends in the brain. It may also find trends in how people think and act. This study can help us to learn what causes these issues. The results might also help create better treatments and support in mental health services. This might be useful at telling us what people need to feel safe. The results can give people a better chance to live healthy social lives.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page. 

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, please email us using the link below:

r&d@nelft.nhs.uk