Understanding how stress affects alcohol cravings and consumption
Probing the Influence of Neural Stress Responses on Problematic Alcohol Use With Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback (C04)
This study is trying to see how stress affects cravings for alcohol in people who struggle with drinking by looking at their brain activity during different tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06247306 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research project aims to explore the relationship between stress reactions and alcohol consumption by examining specific brain networks involved in this interaction. Participants with problematic alcohol use will undergo various non-invasive procedures, including brain scans and cognitive tasks, while attempting to regulate their brain activity. The study combines questionnaires about personality and habits with real-time fMRI neurofeedback to gain insights into how neurocognitive processes during stress influence alcohol cravings. The findings could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms linking stress and alcohol use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with problematic alcohol drinking habits and no serious medical or mental health diagnoses.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health disorders or those requiring detoxification treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved interventions for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse by targeting the neurocognitive processes influenced by stress.
How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between stress and alcohol consumption has been studied, this specific approach using real-time fMRI neurofeedback is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years * Presence of 2 to a maximum of 5 criteria for alcohol use disorder according to DSM-5 * no clinical necessity for detoxification treatment * participants may have a moderate cannabis use disorder and tobacco use disorder * Capacity for consent and ability to use self-assessment scales * Sufficient knowledge of German * Willingness to use a mobile phone with Android operating system Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar or psychotic disorder or a substance use disorder according to Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 (DSM-5) that is not alcohol, cannabis, or tobacco use disorder * Current substance use other than cannabis and tobacco * Current diagnosis of one of the following conditions according to DSM-5: (hypo)manic episode, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder * History of severe head trauma or other severe central neurological disorders (dementia, Parkinson\'s disease, multiple sclerosis) * Pregnancy or lactation * Use of medications known to interact with the central nervous system within the last 10 days; testing at least four half-lives after the last dose * Exercising the prerogative of the \"Right not to know\" in the context of incidental findings during an examination or investigation
Where this trial is running
Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health - Department of Clinical Psychology — Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin F Gerchen, PhD — Central Institute of Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Nina J Kempf, M. Sc.
- Email: nina.kempf@zi-mannheim.de
- Phone: + 49/621-1703
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.