Faster, smarter behavioral tests for alcohol and drug problems
Utility of adaptive design optimization for developing rapid and reliable behavioral paradigms for substance use disorders
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11386167
This project will create shorter, computer-based tasks that quickly capture brain and behavior patterns linked to substance use problems for people with alcohol or other drug issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11386167 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would complete brief computer tasks that measure things like attention, motivation for rewards, and negative mood related to substance use. The team uses a smart, adaptive computer method (Bayesian adaptive design optimization) that picks the best next question based on your earlier answers so the test stays short but informative. They will adapt well-known tasks tied to the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA) framework and improve reliability across repeated sessions. The goal is to make practical, reliable probes that researchers and clinicians can use to understand different kinds of addiction more quickly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with alcohol or other substance use problems who can complete brief computerized behavioral tasks and follow study procedures.
Not a fit: People without substance use disorders, young children, or individuals unable to complete computer-based tasks (for example due to severe cognitive or sensory impairment) are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from quicker and more reliable tests that help match people to better-targeted treatments and speed biomarker development.
How similar studies have performed: Adaptive and Bayesian methods have improved efficiency and precision in other cognitive and perceptual testing, but applying them to addiction-related neurobehavioral probes is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
RICHMOND, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY — RICHMOND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VASSILEVA, JASMIN L — VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: VASSILEVA, JASMIN L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.