Hippocampal Network Changes Following Mindfulness Training in Tobacco Vaping Adolescents in an Open-label, Pilot Study

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA) · Jul 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how mindfulness training might help teenagers who vape. Specifically, the researchers want to see if this training can change brain activity in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. They hope that by improving brain function, teens will be able to reduce their vaping habits. The study is also exploring how easy it is to use a technology-based mindfulness program for young people.

To join the study, participants need to be between 13 and 18 years old and either be healthy non-vapers or teens who have vaped nicotine recently. They must be fluent in English, have permission from a parent or guardian if they are under 17, and have access to a smartphone for the program. Participants can expect to take part in mindfulness training and undergo brain scans to help researchers understand the effects of this training. It’s important to note that this study excludes individuals with certain medical conditions or those who practice regular meditation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
• Non-Vaping group:
• • 1. For adolescents aged 17 and under, parental/guardian informed consent to participate in the study
• • 2. English language fluency
• • 3. Males and females; Age 13-18 enrolled in grades 9-12, or the summer after graduation.
• • 4. No MRI contraindications
• • 5. No evidence of current psychosis, mania, or significant suicidality
• • 6. If on medication for depression, anxiety or ADHD, dose has been stable for 3 months
• • 7. No DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or severe SUD related to a psychoactive substance, including tobacco, in the past year
• • 8. Access to necessary resources for participating in a technology-based intervention, which includes smartphone ownership for this study
• • 9. No use of nicotine more than 5 times in their life, and none at all in the last 30 days prior to enrollment.
• Vaping group:
• • 1. For adolescents aged 17 and under, parental/guardian informed consent to participate in the study
• • 2. English language fluency
• • 3. Males and females; Age 13-18 enrolled in grades 9-12, or the summer after graduation.
• • 4. No MRI contraindications
• • 5. No evidence of current psychosis, mania, or significant suicidality
• • 6. If on medication for depression, anxiety or ADHD, dose has been stable for 3 months
• • 7. No DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate or severe SUD related to another psychoactive substance (other than tobacco) in the past year
• • 8. Vape a nicotine containing product at least 10 days in the past 30 days
• • 9. Access to necessary resources for participating in a technology-based intervention, which includes smartphone ownership for this study
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study based on self and or parent-report unless otherwise noted:
• Vaping or Non-Vaping Group:
• • 1. Chronic medical conditions associated with cerebral blood flow abnormalities per PI/MAI determination after review of the medical history.
• • 2. Neurological conditions that may interfere with MRI data quality per PI/MAI determination after review of the medical history.
• • 3. Neurodevelopmental disorders that are likely to significantly affect data in the judgment of the MAI/PI
• • 4. Non-penetrating traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness \> 30 minutes or significant sequalae persisting longer than 2 weeks or any penetrating traumatic brain injury.
• • 5. Changing dose of psychotropic medication in past 3 months
• • 6. Current regular meditation or yoga practice averaging \>10 min/day for \>2 days per week
• • 7. Pregnancy, self-report upon protocol entry, but by urine test prior to MRI scan.