Neurobiological Correlates of Autobiographical Memory Training to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Outcomes
University of Pennsylvania
Summary
The research study is being conducted to better understand memory function in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and whether memory training can improve the symptoms and lives of people with OUD. Further, this study seeks to identify how brain and heart activity contribute to memory function and OUD symptoms. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline assessment, four weeks of at-home memory training (MemFlex), and a post-treatment follow-up assessment. Everyone enrolled will receive MemFlex as there is no placebo group. Each visit will include collection of a urine sample for drug testing. During the baseline and follow-up assessments, researchers will collect brain information using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and heartbeat data using a wearable wristband sensor. MemFlex is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that does not pose any risk. However, the use of MemFlex in this study is experimental as it has not been tested in individuals with OUD. We will enroll 20 participants with OUD and 10 participants meeting healthy volunteer criteria.
Description
In this study, we propose to characterize possible OUD-related dysfunction in AM. We will further examine the impact of a cognitive training intervention (Memory Flexibility Training \[MemFlex\]) on AM and drug use outcomes and explore the underlying brain and physiological mechanisms. Autobiographical memory and OUD: AMs are episodic memories of one's own life. Under healthy circumstances, AMs are not simple facts (frozen in time) but are influenced by the current context to help maintain a positive sense-of-self and motivate adaptive behaviors. That is, individuals flexibly focus AM to ret…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 years to 60 years old. 2. Willingness to provide signed, informed consent and commit to completing study procedures 3. Subjects must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests, and other study procedures, and must have access to a cellphone. 4. OUD subjects: Lifetime self-reported history of OUD (according to DSM-5 criteria) 5. OUD subjects: On a stable dose (at least 2 weeks without change) of MOUD (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone) as confirmed by self-report, urine drug screening, and/or the Prescription Drug Monitoring…
Interventions
- BehavioralMemFlex
MemFlex employs cognitive training exercises in self-led sessions to improve 1) switching between specific and general AMs, 2) access to positive AMs, and 3) vividness of positive AMs.
Location
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania