Development Of Neuroimaging Methods To Assess The Neurobiology Of Addiction

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM (NIAAA) · Aug 28, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding how addiction affects the brain by using a technique called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Researchers want to develop new ways to use MRI to capture detailed pictures of brain function. The study is open to healthy adults aged 18 and older who can commit to not using drugs on testing days. Participants will undergo a series of screenings, including a medical history check and some basic health tests, to ensure they are eligible for the study.

If you join the trial, you can expect to have multiple MRI scans where you will lie inside a large machine that takes pictures of your brain. During these scans, you might also be asked to do simple tasks that involve movement, memory, or thinking. A few additional tests, like urine samples, may be collected during your visits. It's important to note that certain individuals, such as those with specific medical conditions or who have a history of severe mental health issues, will not be eligible to participate. This study aims to provide valuable insights into brain function and addiction, which could help improve understanding and treatment in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • 1. Eighteen years or older.
• • 2. Ability to provide written informed consent as determined by physical examination and verbal communication. Capacity to consent will be determined by those obtaining the informed consent.
• • 3. Willingness to abstain from drug use on scheduled testing days.
• • EXCLUSION CRITERIA
• • 1. Positive urine pregnancy test in females.
• • 2. Presence of ferromagnetic objects in the body that are contraindicated for MRI of the head (including but not limited to pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, some types of dental implants, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses, permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pump, or shrapnel fragments) or fear of enclosed spaces as determined by the self-report checklist.
• • 3. Claustrophobia.
• • 4. Body weight \>550 lbs, which is the weight limit of the MR scanner.
• • 5. Current DSM-5 diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder (other than nicotine/caffeine use disorders) as determined by history and clinical exam including substance use disorder, alcoholism and alcohol dependence. Past history of a mental disorder as defined by DSM-IV or DSM-5 will be excluded only if it was severe enough as to require hospitalization (any length), or chronic medication management (more than 4 weeks), or that could impact brain function at the time of the study. Subjects receiving psychotherapy may be included in the study.
• • 6. Those with a binge drinking history every month continuously for the last 10 years will also be excluded. Binge drinkers are those who being female consume 4 or more drinks and males consume 5 or more drinks in one occasion at least once a month.
• • 7. Serious neurological disorder such as MS, Parkinson s Disease, ALS, sensory loss or peripheral neuropathy.
• • 8. Currently taking any psychoactive drugs such as Celexa (TM), Prozac (TM), Wellbutrin (TM), Zoloft (TM), and/or stimulants other than caffeine such as Adderall (TM), Dexedrine (TM) and Ritalin (TM). Subjects taking PRN medications (e.g., sleep medications) may be included in the study.
• • 9. Clinically significant laboratory or examination results.
• • 10. Study investigators and staff, as well as their superiors, subordinates and immediate family members (adult children, spouses, parents, siblings).
• • 11. \*Non-English speakers (must also be able to read and comprehend English).
• • The intent of the research has no prospect of direct benefit to the subject. Therefore, we are excluding non-English speakers in this research study since our fMRI paradigms (particularly the Delay Discounting task) require that the subject be able to speak, read and comprehend English.
• • Subjects will not be excluded from enrollment onto this study if their urine test or breath alcohol level (BAL) is positive for drugs/alcohol on initial screening. However, if they test positive on scheduled study procedure days involving MRI, the procedures will be postponed and rescheduled. We will allow for up to 3 rescheduled study days that were the result of positive urine drug or BAL screens. If the drug/BAL tests is/are positive on the third rescheduled visit, the participant will be withdrawn from the study.