Understanding habits and decision-making in alcohol use disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of habitual behaviors and decision-making processes in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Using a novel Action-Sequence-Task (AST) and a Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) paradigm, the study will compare the performance of 90 AUD patients with 90 matched controls. Participants will engage in tasks designed to assess the interference between habitual and goal-directed control, as well as the nature of the PIT process. The findings could provide insights into the cognitive mechanisms underlying addiction and inform future treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years of age
* AUD subjects only: meet 4 or more criteria for DSM-5 alcohol use disorder
* Sufficient motor skills and visual acuity to use PC
* Ability to consent to the study and complete the questionnaires
* Sufficient German skills

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime diagnosis of DSM-5 bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorder
* Current diagnosis of severe major depression according to DSM-5, or presence of suicidal intention
* Pregnancy
* Severe withdrawal symptoms
* Acute drug intoxication at the appointments

Where it's running

• Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden
  Dresden, Germany Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.