Investigating brain connectivity in alcohol use disorder
Brain Connectivity Between Networks Implied in Inhibition and Cue-reactivity in Alcohol Use Disorder
University of Bern · NCT05843435
This study is testing how different brain networks work together in people with alcohol use disorder to see if understanding these connections can help improve treatment and reduce cravings.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bern (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT05843435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research focuses on patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) to explore the interaction between brain networks involved in inhibition and cue-reactivity using ultra-high-field 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study aims to identify subtle activation and connectivity patterns in the brain that may influence treatment outcomes, particularly in relation to craving and abstinence duration. By employing a Go-Nogo task during fMRI, the researchers will assess how these brain processes interact and contribute to the risk of relapse in AUD patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who have abstained from alcohol for at least four weeks prior to the fMRI measurement.
Not a fit: Patients with other primary psychiatric diagnoses or significant neurocognitive problems may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the interplay between cue-reactivity and inhibitory control in AUD has been suggested, this specific approach using 7 Tesla fMRI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Abstained from alcohol for at least 4 weeks prior to fMRI measurement (AUD only) * Diagnosis of AUD according to ICD-11 (AUD only) * Written informed consent * Mother tongue German (or Swiss German) * Right-handedness * AUDIT ≤ 7 (HC only) * AUD-S \< 2 (HC only) * BSCL GSI ≤ 63 (T-value, HC only) * DUDIT \< 7 (HC only) Exclusion Criteria: * Other main psychiatric diagnosis than AUD (comorbidity allowed, but AUD has to be considered the main diagnosis, AUD only) * Neurocognitive problems * Current medical conditions excluding participation (e.g. acute infectious disease) * Inability to understand the participant information * Contraindication to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (e.g. metallic objects, pregnancy, claustrophobia) * History of alcohol and other substance use disorder (HC only) * Being staff or student of the project leader and other persons involved in the project
Where this trial is running
Bern
- University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern — Bern, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthias Grieder, PhD — University Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bern
- Study coordinator: Matthias Grieder, PhD
- Email: matthias.grieder@upd.unibe.ch
- Phone: +41319328351
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Alcohol Use Disorder, Inhibition, Psychology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Drinking Behavior