Genetic and Neural Factors in Alcohol-Related Cognition

Virginia Commonwealth University9 enrolled

Overview

This study examines the genetic factors that impact cognitive processes and behavior after alcohol consumption. Participation in this project will contribute to a better understanding of cognitive factors that influence alcohol misuse.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Alcohol Abuse

Interventions

MRI ScannerBEHAVIORAL

Participants will enter the MRI scanner and complete a series of computer tasks that include noise blasts while undergoing brain scans that measure the structure and function of the brain

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 21 YearsMax age: 45 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * No current or regular use of prescribed or illicit psychoactive drugs * Free of major health problems (e.g., diabetes, HIV, Parkinson's disease) * Free of neurological or psychiatric disorders * No current drug abuse (e.g., recreational drug use). * Right-hand dominant * Free of claustrophobia * Free of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy * Absent MRI risk factors (e.g., implanted medical device, body mass index \> 35, braces) * Free of medical conditions that render individuals with overly sensitive hearing * Non-naive to alcohol consumption Exclusion Criteria: * Not meeting the inclusion criteria listed above

Locations (1)

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes in Alcohol-influenced Behavior

Aggressive behavior (i.e., the average volume of noise blasts selected to be administered to participants' opponents) after recent consumption of an alcoholic beverages (versus without recent consumption of an alcoholic beverages) will be measured using the validated and computerized Taylor Competitive Reaction-Time Task. The Taylor Competitive Reaction-Time Task consists of multiple trials that each assess aggression, via a four-point scale that ranges from 1 (low noise blast volume \[low aggression\]) to 4 (high noise blast volume \[high aggression\]). Noise blast settings are averaged to provide a total score ranging from 1 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater aggression.

Time frame: During the course of the MRI session

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.