Methylphenidate and Response to Alcohol Cues

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · Sep 26, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a medication called methylphenidate, often known as Ritalin, affects people's attention and their reactions to alcohol-related cues. The goal is to see if taking this medication can change how much participants think about or crave alcohol when they see reminders of it. To gather information, the study will use brain imaging techniques and behavioral tests during a few sessions, including one that can be done remotely and two that require participants to come in person.

To join the trial, participants need to be adults aged 18 to 25 who have been diagnosed with both Alcohol Use Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They should be fluent in English and have normal vision. Participants will be closely monitored during the study, so it’s important for them to not have certain medical conditions, like bipolar disorder or high blood pressure, and to not be pregnant. This study is currently looking for volunteers, and taking part could help improve understanding of how attention affects alcohol cravings.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults ages 18-25 years
• • Meets DSM-5 criteria for AUD
• • Meets DSM-5 criteria for ADHD
• • Fluent in English
• • Normal or corrected to normal vision
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Meets DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use disorders other than AUD.
• • Participant routinely uses psychoactive drugs or medications except for non-dependent marijuana or nicotine use (due to common use of these substances in individuals with AUD).
• • Participant has contraindications for taking methylphenidate.
• • Participant has contraindications for being in an MRI machine
• • Self-reported history of high blood pressure over 140/90 or consistent readings of 140/90 or above upon arrival for a session.
• • History of seizure disorder
• • Liver disease
• • Participant is currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant