Alcoholism: Emotion and Thinking

NCT00300638 | Terminated

• 3 other identifiers: H-24686R01AA007112K05AA000219
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 599
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether long-term chronic alcoholism is associated with changes in emotional functioning and brain structure and function.

Conditions

Alcoholism

Keywords

Alcoholism; Emotion; Cognition; Brain scans

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Alcoholism's effects on thinking, behavior and brain functioning

  several visits over approximately one month

Study Arms (1)

1- MRI and interviews

In our research, we are trying to understand where in the brain these emotional behaviors take place, and whether or not the brain functions differently for alcoholic and nonalcoholic individuals. We present emotional words and pictures on a computer screen, and using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, we observe how the brain works when people purposefully respond to the words and pictures. Interviews, cognitive tests, and emotional measurements will also be done. Additionally, we are comparing brain structure and activation patterns in men and women, because there may be gender differences in responses to emotional stimuli.

Procedure: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Behavioral: Interviews, cognitive tests, and emotional measurements

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) PROCEDURE

We present emotional words and pictures on a computer screen, and using MRI scans, we observe how the brain works when people purposefully respond to the words and pictures. Additionally, we are comparing brain structure and activation patterns in men and women, because there may be gender differences in responses to emotional stimuli.

1- MRI and interviews

Interviews, cognitive tests, and emotional measurements BEHAVIORAL

We present emotional words and pictures on a computer screen, and using MRI scans, we observe how the brain works when people purposefully respond to the words and pictures. Additionally, we are comparing brain structure and activation patterns in men and women, because there may be gender differences in responses to emotional stimuli.

1- MRI and interviews

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 76 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Alcoholics and demographically equivalent healthy controls who have participated in one or more of our prior studies are contacted by telephone to determine whether or not they would like to participate again. Potential participants who have not previously been enlisted in any of our studies are recruited through fliers placed in the Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, BU School of Medicine, and after-care programs in the Boston area, and through ads in local newspapers and web sites. For "new" participants, subject selection procedures include an initial prescreening telephone interview to determine identifying information such as age, level of education, health history, and history of alcohol and drug use and if eligible are invited to the laboratory for further screening and neuropsychological evaluations.

You may qualify if:

• Male and female right-handed people 25 years of age or older.
• Participants either will have a past Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM-IV) diagnosis of alcohol dependence, or no such history at all.
• Participants will have signed an informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Pregnant women.
• Shrapnel or other metal in body (dental fillings OK)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Boston University: lead
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): collaborator
• US Department of Veterans Affairs: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

VA Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Oscar-Berman M, Marinkovic K. Alcoholism and the brain: an overview. Alcohol Res Health. 2003;27(2):125-33.

  PMID: 15303622 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Alcoholism

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Interviews as Topic; Neuropsychological Tests

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Alcohol-Related Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spectrum Analysis; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Investigative Techniques; Data Collection; Epidemiologic Methods; Health Care Evaluation Mechanisms; Quality of Health Care; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation; Public Health; Environment and Public Health; Psychological Tests; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Study Officials

• Marlene O. Berman, PhD

  Boston University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 7, 2006
• First Posted: March 9, 2006
• Study Start: August 1, 2001
• Primary Completion: February 21, 2020
• Study Completion: February 21, 2020
• Last Updated: July 21, 2021

Record last verified: 2021-07

Locations

US (1)