Neural and Hormonal Influences on Sex Differences in Risk for AUD

Launched by JESSICA WEAFER · Jun 9, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying why women may be at a higher risk for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) compared to men. Researchers are particularly interested in three areas: how well people can control their impulses (inhibitory control), how negative emotions might influence drinking, and how people react to alcohol-related cues. They hope to uncover the brain and hormonal factors that contribute to these differences, which could lead to better prevention and treatment options specifically designed for women.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 76 and 94 years old, drink alcohol regularly (about 4 to 5 drinks per week), and be fluent in English. It's important that women have regular menstrual cycles and that all participants are right-handed and have completed high school. Some health conditions and medications may disqualify you, so it's best to discuss your medical history with the research team. If you join, you can expect to undergo some tests that look at how your brain functions and how you respond to different emotional situations related to drinking. This research aims to better understand the unique challenges that women face with alcohol use.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • consume 4/5 drinks per week
• • fluent in English
• • high school education
• • right-handed
• • regular menstrual cycles (women)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • serious medical problems
• • body weight \<110 or \>210 lbs
• • current medical or psychiatric conditions requiring medication for which alcohol is contraindicated
• • substance use disorder other than alcohol
• • current or recent history of inpatient/intensive treatment for addictive behaviors
• • pregnant, nursing, on hormonal contraception
• • contraindications for fMRI
• • smoking \> 5 cigarettes per day