Modulating Explore-exploit Biases by Improving Mood in Adults With Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.
Summary
In this project, the investigators examine behavior and associated brain activity during explore-exploit decision-making tasks performed pre- and post-modulation of affective state using autobiographical memory recall. The investigators hypothesize that a positive memory recall will reduce negative affective state, reduce explore-exploit biases and normalize the associated brain activity. The investigators propose a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled trial of positive autobiographical memory recall with 80 adults (n=40 per arm) with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) currently involved in abstinence only treatment centers.
Description
The growing epidemic of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a significant burden on public health with surging overdose deaths, high likelihood of relapse, and current lack of approved medication to treat the disorder. When it comes to decision-making, individuals with MUD often prioritize drug over non-drug rewards despite negative life consequences; in addition, they may not sufficiently "explore" all available choices to "exploit" the best one (in other words, make the optimal choice leading to positive consequences). Therefore, the "explore-exploit" trade-off is often dysfunctional in MU…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-65 years old * English proficiency as evaluated by language ability during screening * Past-year diagnosis of DSM-5 methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) confirmed by the MINI * Actively enrolled in treatment for substance use disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe traumatic brain injury (as indicated by a score ≥3 on the Tulsa Head Injury Screen * Any medical condition interfering with the participation in the study as determined by medical screening * DSM-5 diagnosis of psychotic disorders, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychosis * fMRI…
Interventions
- BehavioralMood modulation
Autobiographical memory recall designed to modulate mood and affective state by reminiscing about personal life events
Location
- Laureate Institute for Brain ResearchTulsa, Oklahoma