Assessing Habitual, Goal-Directed, and Pavlovian Influences in Alcohol Use Disorder
This study aims to understand how habits and automatic reactions influence Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Researchers want to see if people with AUD rely more strongly on habits and find it harder to control their actions compared to others. They'll use special computer tasks, like the Action-Sequence-Task and Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT) task, to observe decision-making processes. Participants will complete interviews, questionnaires, and neuropsychology tests. The goal is to discover if there are differences in how people with AUD react to certain cues and make choices, which could help develop more effective ways to support recovery and manage AUD.
Auf einen Blick
Worum geht es in dieser Studie?
This research study is looking into how habits and automatic reactions might play a role in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), sometimes called alcoholism. Imagine you have a habit, like reaching for a snack every time you watch TV – even if you're not really hungry. This study wants to understand if people with AUD have stronger, harder-to-break habits when it comes to alcohol, and if these automatic reactions make it tougher for them to control their drinking.
The researchers will use special computer games and activities. One game, called the 'Action-Sequence-Task', looks at how people make choices when their habits might go against what they actually intend to do. Another activity, the 'Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer' (PIT) task, helps to see how automatic responses to certain cues (like seeing an image) can influence actions. By comparing how people with AUD perform on these tasks with people who don't have AUD, the scientists hope to learn more about the underlying brain processes involved in AUD.
The main goal is to figure out if people with AUD are more influenced by habits and automatic cues, and how difficult it is for them to override these impulses. Understanding these differences could be really important because it might help doctors and therapists develop new or improved ways to support people recovering from AUD, focusing on strategies that help them break unhelpful habits and strengthen their ability to make choices that support their well-being.
Wichtige Erkenntnisse
- Researchers are studying how habits and automatic reactions affect Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
- Participation involves computer tasks, interviews, and questionnaires.
- The study aims to improve understanding of AUD to develop better support methods.
- There are no medications involved; it's an observational study.
- You must be 18-65 years old and have sufficient German language skills.
Wer könnte berechtigt sein?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. If you have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the study, you'll need to meet at least four specific criteria for AUD as outlined in a standard medical guide (DSM-5).
You'll also need to be able to use a computer easily and see well enough to complete the tasks. It's important that you can understand the study details and agree to take part, as well as comfortably complete questionnaires. You'll also need to have sufficient German language skills to participate.
There are certain conditions that would prevent you from joining. For example, if you've ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a severe current depression, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself. Pregnancy, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or being acutely under the influence of drugs at your appointment would also mean you can't take part.
Könnte diese Studie für Sie geeignet sein?
Beantworten Sie diese kurzen Fragen, um zu sehen, ob Sie möglicherweise berechtigt sind. Dies ist nur ein Leitfaden – das Forschungsteam trifft die endgültige Entscheidung.
- Sind Sie zwischen 18 und 65 Jahre alt?
- If you have AUD, do you meet 4 or more DSM-5 criteria?
- Can you easily use a computer and see clearly for tasks?
- Can you understand and speak German well enough for the study?
- Are you currently pregnant, experiencing severe withdrawal, or acutely under the influence of drugs?
Was beinhaltet die Teilnahme?
If you decide to join this study, you'll be one of 180 participants, with 90 people who have Alcohol Use Disorder and 90 who do not. Everyone will be matched by age and gender. You will visit the study site for a few appointments.
During these appointments, you'll complete some basic psychological assessments, which involve interviews and filling out questionnaires. You'll also go through some neuropsychology tests, which are designed to check different brain functions like memory and attention. The main part of your involvement will be playing computer-based tasks, specifically the 'Action-Sequence-Task' and the 'single-lever PIT task', over two consecutive days. There are no medications involved in this study. The total duration of your active participation will involve these two days of tasks plus any time needed for initial assessments.
Potenzielle Risiken und Vorteile
Standorte (1)
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität DresdenVerifizierte PostleitzahlDresden, Deutschland· Rekrutierung
Häufige Fragen
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
AUD is a medical condition where a person has trouble controlling their drinking, is preoccupied with alcohol, or continues to use alcohol even when it causes problems.
What kind of 'tasks' will I do on the computer?
You'll play some specially designed computer games. These involve pressing keys in certain ways and making choices to earn points, which help researchers understand decision-making and habits.
Will I take any new medication in this study?
No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on psychological assessments and computer-based tasks.
How long will my involvement in the study last?
Your active participation will involve completing computer tasks over two consecutive days, plus time for initial interviews and questionnaires.
Do I have to live in Germany to participate?
Yes, you need to have sufficient German language skills to complete the assessments, suggesting the study is conducted in a German-speaking region.
Wie Sie mehr erfahren können
Sprechen Sie immer mit Ihrem Hausarzt oder Spezialisten, bevor Sie sich entscheiden, an einer Studie teilzunehmen.
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