RecruitingNot Applicable

Neurocognitive Abnormalities in Stimulant Abuse Among High-Risk Women

United States334 participantsStarted 2022-08-01

Plain-language summary

Substance use disorders and psychopathy are serious and costly mental health issues. Psychopathy is known to be associated with aberrant moral decision making and there is considerable interest in determining whether substance use disorders lead to impairments in these same cognitive processes. Recent large-scale research initiatives in forensic settings have begun to identify substance abuse and psychopathy-related disruption in the neural mechanisms involved in moral decision-making processes, and associations between these neural networks and future relapse and antisocial behavior. Here the investigators extend prior work (with incarcerated men) to examine these issues among incarcerated women in order to better understand sex differences. This project addresses the overall lack of neurocognitive research in criminal offenders with substance use disorders, thereby focusing on a major public health issue in an underserved and understudied population.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

FEMALE

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: * Biological sex is female * Intelligence Quotient 70 or higher * Reading level 5th grade or higher * Able to speak and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits * Currently pregnant * MRI contraindication * Central nervous system disease * Current major medical condition * Hypertension with complications (e.g., stroke) * Diabetes with complications * Lifetime history of psychotic disorder * Self-report of psychotic disorder (with psychiatric hospitalization) in first degree relative * Drug use in past three months (Healthy controls only): * History of arrest * Substance use beyond light alcohol or marijuana use * Currently taking psychotropic medications

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

Gray matter volume during MRI scan & stimulant use

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

White matter integrity during MRI scan & stimulant use

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple linguistic decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple picture decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during moral linguistic decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during moral picture decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional connectivity during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple linguistic decision task

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05845333

SponsorThe Mind Research Network

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2027-05-31

Contact for this trial

Carla Harenski

505-272-5028 charenski@mrn.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stimulant Abuse trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Gray matter volume during MRI scan & stimulant use

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

White matter integrity during MRI scan & stimulant use

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple linguistic decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple picture decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during moral linguistic decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional brain response during MRI scan & stimulant use during moral picture decision task

Timeframe: During MRI procedure

Functional connectivity during MRI scan & stimulant use during simple linguistic decision task