Understanding habits and decision-making in alcohol use disorder
SFB TRR 265: Losing and Regaining Control Over Drug Intake Project B03: Role of Pavlovian Mechanisms for Control Over Substance Use Project B09: Maladaptive Context Inference As Key Mechanism Underlying Impaired Control
This study is trying to understand how habits and decision-making affect people with Alcohol Use Disorder compared to those without it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Technische Universität Dresden Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dresden) |
| Trial ID | NCT06701500 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who meet the criteria for moderate to severe alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or those currently experiencing severe depression or acute drug intoxication, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of addiction mechanisms, leading to improved interventions for patients with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific methodologies may be novel, previous studies have indicated that understanding the interplay between habitual and goal-directed processes can yield valuable insights into substance use disorders.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Dresden
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden — Dresden, Germany (Recruiting)
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.