Approach-Avoidance and Alcohol Challenge Study in PTSD

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · Aug 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects decision-making, particularly in relation to alcohol use. Researchers want to understand why individuals with PTSD are more likely to develop problems with alcohol. They believe that both PTSD and alcohol can influence how people make choices when faced with risks and rewards, which may lead to increased drinking and related issues. By studying the effects of alcohol on decision-making in people with PTSD, the researchers hope to identify risk factors that could help in preventing alcohol-related problems and improving treatment for both conditions.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 21 and 60 years old and have consumed a certain amount of alcohol in the past year. Individuals with PTSD will also need to be diagnosed with the condition. However, there are some exclusions, such as having severe alcohol use disorder or certain medical conditions. Participants can expect to take part in sessions where they will consume alcohol under controlled conditions while researchers observe how their decision-making is affected. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it's important for those interested to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 1. Inclusion criteria for all participants:
• • between 21 and 60 years of age
• • having consumed at least 4 (men) or 3 (women) drinks on at least two occasions over the last year
• 2. Inclusion criteria for PTSD participants:
• • - Meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD, confirmed by structured interview
• 3. For all subjects exclusion criteria include:
• • history of significant medical illness, particularly if possible changes in cerebral tissue
• • neurologic abnormality including significant head trauma (loss of consciousness of ≥5-min)
• • full Scale IQ \<85
• • contraindication to MRI scanning
• • positive pregnancy test
• • severe alcohol use disorder
• • current severe cannabis use disorder
• • any current substance use disorder (other than alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine)
• • scores \> 15 on the alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; part of phone screen)
• • ever being in an abstinence-oriented treatment program for alcohol use
• • reporting wanting to quit drinking but not being able to
• • any medical, religious, or other reasons for not drinking alcohol
• • history of heart attack, heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease
• • an adverse reaction to alcoholic beverages
• • reporting never consuming 4 (men) or 3 (women) or more drinks on at least two occasions over the last year
• • unwillingness to have a friend or family member drive them home after the alcohol administration sessions
• 4. Additional exclusion criteria for participants in PTSD and IPV-exposed but no PTSD groups:
• • not taking medications for \>4 weeks (i.e. participants must be stable on meds)
• • acute suicidality with intent
• 5. Additional exclusion criteria for participants in IPV-exposure but no PTSD group:
• • - history of PTSD
• 6. Additional exclusion criteria for healthy comparison subjects also include:
• • any prior psychiatric hospitalizations
• • lifetime history of a neurodevelopmental disorder, affective disorder, psychotic disorder, suicide attempt, or eating disorder
• • greater than 1 month of lifetime psychotropic medication