Attentional Ability and Resilience to Alcohol Use Disorder: Neurocognitive Mechanisms: Protocol Two
University of Florida
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in attention levels related to taking a single dose of a medication called methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, affects responses to alcohol cues. The study will observe the effects of methylphenidate or a placebo on neural and craving responses to alcohol cues through fMRI and behavioral testing. Participants will be involved in one remote and two in-person sessions.
Description
Recent studies have revealed a robust link between attentional ability and resilience against stress-related psychopathology, in general, and against alcohol use disorder (AUD) specifically. For example, self-reported attentional ability correlates with scales of psychological resilience and with lower alcohol misuse in at-risk individuals. One mechanism by which attention may relate to resilience in AUD is through its effects on alcohol cue reactivity. Exposure to alcohol cues can induce motivation to drink alcohol for those with AUD. Leveraging the high rates of co-morbidity of AUD and atten…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ages 18-25 years * Meets DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder -OR- score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) of \>=8 * Fluent in English * Normal or corrected to normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Meets DSM-5 criteria for psychotic disorders, neurological disorders, or substance use disorders other than Alcohol Use Disorder. * Participant routinely uses psychoactive drugs or medications except for non-dependent marijuana or nicotine use (due to common use of these substances in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder). * Participant has co…
Interventions
- DrugMethylphenidate Pill
Encapsulated methylphenidate
- OtherPlacebo Pill
Encapsulated placebo
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida