Nicotinic Cholinergic Modulation as a Novel Treatment Strategy for Aggression Associated With Autism (NCT02552147) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1
Nicotinic Cholinergic Modulation as a Novel Treatment Strategy for Aggression Associated With Autism
United States8 participantsStarted 2015-09
Plain-language summary
Some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) also demonstrate irritability or aggression, which can interfere with functioning. The purpose of this pilot study is to test whether transdermal nicotine is effective for irritability and/or aggression in adults with ASD using a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects will participate in three visits. At the first visit, subjects are screened for eligibility and enrolled. Baseline measures include rating scales and a frustrative computerized task. They will then wear seven days of transdermal nicotine or placebo. Visit two is on day seven and the study measures are repeated, vital signs and side effects monitored. Subjects will return for a third and final visit on day 21 to repeat the study measures performed during visit two.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 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:
* Age: 18-60
* Gender: All
* Language: Communicative in English
* Participants with a prior diagnosis of DSM-5 ASD at some point in their lifetime OR a DSM-4 diagnosis of Autism OR a DSM-4 diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome OR a DSM-4 diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
* Symptoms of irritability, agitation or aggression as reported by parent and/or participant
* Aberrant behavior checklist - Irritability Subscale (ABC-I) score of 16 or higher
* No changes in psychotropic medications within the past 14 days.
* Either lives with a primary caregiver or closely engaged with a primary caregiver who interacts with the patient daily
* BMI \> 17.5 and \< 45
Exclusion criteria:
* Age \< 18 or \> 60
* BMI \< 17.5 or \> 45
* Currently using tobacco or any nicotine products (transdermal, gum, e-cigarettes)
* Changes in psychotropic medication management within the past 14 days
* Previous allergy to transdermal patches
* Patients with heart rate \> 100 or \< 50 or known history of cardiac rhythm abnormalities
* Systolic blood pressure \> 150 or \< 95; diastolic blood pressure \> 90 or \< 50
* No symptoms of irritability, agitation, or aggression as reported by parent and/or participant
* ABC-I score of less than 16
* No primary caregiver, or primary caregiver unable to assist with rating scales
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
Change From Baseline in Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability Subscale (ABC-I)