The Role of Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission for Dysfunctional Learning in Alcoho… (NCT02094196) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
The Role of Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission for Dysfunctional Learning in Alcohol Use Disorders
Germany60 participantsStarted 2012-12
Plain-language summary
The aim of this project is to assess reward- based learning behavior and its association with alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmission in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients and matched controls.
The investigators will explore how these alterations interact with clinical and psychosocial factors which can modify the relapse risk and learning deficits.
Patients will be detoxified in an inpatient setting. Clinical assessments, behavioral paradigms of learning and brain imaging will be carried out within at least 4 half- lives after any psychotropic medication.
The investigators will implement and apply functional imaging paradigms assessing Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer and reversal learning tasks and associate model parameters of learning with alcohol craving, intake and prospective relapse risk.
In this project, the impact of the dopamine x glutamate interaction on learning deficits and consecutive relapse probability is targeted with \[18F\]fallypride PET and the measurement of absolute concentrations of glutamate with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV
* Minimum of 72 hours of abstinence, maximum of 21 days of abstinence
* Minimum of three years of alcohol dependence
* Low severity of withdrawal symptoms
* Ability to provide fully informed consent and to use self- rating scales
Exclusion Criteria:
* Lifetime history of DSM- IV bipolar or psychotic disorder
* Current threshold DSM-IV diagnosis of any following disorders: current major - depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder or obsessive- compulsive disorder
* History of substance dependence other than alcohol or nicotine dependence
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Striatal D2-receptor availability (PET) and prefrontal glutamate concentration (MRS)
Timeframe: first assessment time point (alc. dependent pat. up to 21 days after detoxification)