The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a brief auricular acupuncture program delivered by mental health nurses as a complementary therapy for adults hospitalized with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Is participation in the five-session auricular acupuncture program feasible (in terms of attendance) for hospitalized adults with borderline personality disorder? * Does the auricular acupuncture intervention show potential benefits on emotional regulation, anxiety, sleep quality, and overall clinical status?
15 hospitalized adults with BPD will receive 5 individual ear acupuncture sessions, over a 9-day period, based on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (N.A.D.A.) protocol in addition to treatment as usual. Participants will complete brief questionnaires at several time points. The findings will inform the feasibility of the study procedures and guide the development of a future larger-scale clinical trial.
Aged 18 years or older
Currently hospitalized in a psychiatric unit at the Prangins site of Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV)
Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, as documented in the medical record
Able to speak and understand French
Presence of severe clinical instability, such as: marked agitation, high risk of suicide, risk of harm to others
Inability to provide informed consent (for example, due to impaired judgment or legal protective measures)
Currently hospitalized in a seclusion or isolation room
Expected discharge from hospital before completion of the five acupuncture sessions
Jenny Gentizon
Lead sponsor
University of Lausanne Hospitals
Sponsor institution
Manuel Simon
Collaborator
Julien Elowe
Collaborator
Luca Scuderi
Collaborator