Behavioral Rigidity in Residential Treatment for Substance Use Disorder (RIG-TD)

NCT07590115 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: IRC-P-CTUT-001
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 35
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Behavioral rigidity, the tendency to maintain inflexible patterns of thinking and acting despite changing circumstances, is a common feature in substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety. This observational study aims to measure behavioral rigidity as a dynamic, transdiagnostic process in patients undergoing residential treatment for substance use. Using a longitudinal intensive repeated-measures design, participants complete weekly assessments of cognitive reactivity (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-8 item version, ATQ-8), behavioral activation (Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, BADS), and experiential avoidance. A Behavioral Rigidity Index (BRI) is derived from these measures. Additionally, natural language processing (NLP) is applied to therapy session transcripts to quantify linguistic absolutism (e.g., use of words like "always," "never") and affective polarity. Bayesian multilevel models examine whether rigidity predicts current and next-week clinical status. The study also explores whether linguistic markers add unique predictive value beyond self-reports. Results may inform personalized monitoring and interventions targeting psychological inflexibility in addiction treatment.

Conditions

Anxiety; Substance Use Disorder (SUD); Depression Anxiety Disorder

Keywords

Behavioral rigidity; Substance use disorder; Transdiagnostic; Longitudinal; NLP; Absolutism; Bayesian multilevel; Therapeutic community

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in negative automatic thoughts measured by the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire 8-item version

  The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire 8-item version is a self-report measure assessing the frequency of negative automatic thoughts. Total scores range from 8 to 40, with higher scores indicating more frequent negative automatic thoughts. Longitudinal change in total score across treatment is evaluated as the primary outcome.

  Weekly from baseline until discharge from treatment (up to 12 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Behavioral Rigidity Index - Pondered (study-derived composite index)

  Weekly from baseline until discharge (up to 12 weeks)

• Behavioral activation measured by the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Activation subscale

  Weekly from baseline until discharge (up to 12 weeks)

• Avoidance and rumination measured by the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Avoidance/Rumination subscale

  Weekly from baseline until discharge (up to 12 weeks)

• Linguistic Rigidity Index derived from therapy session transcripts

  Weekly from baseline until discharge (up to 12 weeks)

• Change in anxiety symptoms measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale

  Weekly from baseline until discharge (up to 12 weeks)

Study Arms (1)

Participants with Substance Use Disorder

Adult patients (n=34) receiving standard residential treatment for substance use disorder in a therapeutic community. All participants undergo weekly assessments of cognitive reactivity (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-8 item version, ATQ-8), behavioral activation (Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, BADS), and natural language processing (NLP) of therapy session transcripts.

Other: No intervention

Interventions

No intervention OTHER

This is an observational study; no experimental intervention is administered. Participants continue their standard residential treatment as usual, which includes psychosocial therapy, 12-step facilitation, and occupational activities.

Participants with Substance Use Disorder

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult patients (age 18-60) with substance use disorder and co-occurring emotional dysregulation or behavioral maladaptation, admitted to a residential therapeutic community in Mexico. The sample includes both sexes, with an expected predominance of males (approximately 85%). Participants are receiving standard psychosocial treatment, including individual and group therapy, 12-step facilitation, and occupational activities. No healthy volunteers are included.

You may qualify if:

• Minimum stay of four weeks in the residential treatment program
• At least three complete longitudinal measurement time points
• Ability to read, understand, and respond to self-report instruments in Spanish
• Capacity to participate in structured clinical sessions
• Diagnosis of substance use disorder (clinical assessment)

You may not qualify if:

• Severe neurocognitive impairment
• Acute psychotic symptoms
• Incomplete longitudinal records (less than three time points)
• Inability to complete self-report measures due to cognitive or language barriers

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lauro Gutiérrez Castro: lead

Study Sites (1)

Under The Tree Potrerillos

Potrerillos, Jalisco, 45815, Mexico

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Substance-Related Disorders; Anxiety Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Chemically-Induced Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Lauro Gutiérrez Castro

  Under The Tree Therapeutic Community

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 9, 2026
• First Posted: May 15, 2026
• Study Start: May 25, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

ME (1)