Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Alcoholism

Overseen By Jeremy D Kidd, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: New York State Psychiatric Institute

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Suicidality, Severe withdrawal, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

Duration: 9 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to develop and test a new therapy for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), which involves difficulty in controlling drinking. The focus is on adapting interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), a type of talk therapy, to better suit the unique experiences of these individuals. Suitable participants include those who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, speak English, and are currently seeking help for moderate-to-severe AUD. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research tailored to the needs of this community.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have severe psychiatric symptoms or a history of severe alcohol withdrawal, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy is safe for gender minority individuals with alcohol use disorder?

Research has shown that culturally adapted interpersonal therapy (IPT) holds promise in reducing substance use. One study found that women who received IPT improved their drinking habits, mood, and relationships, with these improvements persisting after therapy ended. This suggests that the therapy is generally well-received and can positively affect behavior and emotions.

Researchers are exploring culturally adapted treatments to enhance therapy effectiveness for specific groups, such as gender minorities. Although further research is needed to fully confirm its safety and effectiveness, current evidence is encouraging about its potential benefits without major safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy for alcoholism because it tailors therapy specifically for transgender and nonbinary individuals, addressing unique cultural and social experiences that standard therapies often overlook. Unlike traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication-assisted options, this approach integrates Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy with cultural nuances, potentially leading to more effective engagement and outcomes for these communities. By focusing on interpersonal relationships and cultural identity, this therapy aims to provide a more personalized and supportive treatment experience, which could enhance recovery success rates.

What evidence suggests that this culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy is effective for alcohol use disorder in gender minority individuals?

Research has shown that interpersonal therapy (IPT) can significantly aid in addressing drinking problems, reducing depression, and improving relationships. A small study found that these benefits persisted over time. Additionally, treatments tailored to different cultures have successfully reduced substance use and improved outcomes for minority groups. These customized treatments have made therapy more acceptable, retained participants longer, and enhanced results for racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities. This trial will evaluate culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy specifically for transgender and nonbinary individuals, suggesting that adapting IPT for gender minority individuals could be a promising approach to addressing alcohol use disorder in this group. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jeremy D Kidd, MD

Principal Investigator

New York State Psychiatric Institute/Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for gender minority individuals who speak English, want treatment for moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), and can follow the study's procedures. It's not open to those legally mandated to treatment, with severe psychiatric symptoms or a history of intense alcohol withdrawal.

Inclusion Criteria

Current DSM-5 Alcohol use disorder (AUD) (moderate-to-severe)

Able to give informed consent and comply with study procedures

GM self-identification

Exclusion Criteria

History of severe alcohol withdrawal (e.g., seizure, delirium tremens)

Legally mandated to treatment

Current DSM-5 SUD other than alcohol/nicotine/caffeine/cannabis

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (telephone)

Treatment

Participants receive culturally-adapted Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B) for 9 weeks

9 weeks

9 weekly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy

Trial Overview The study is testing a new version of interpersonal psychotherapy that's been adapted specifically for gender minority people with AUD. The goal is to see if this therapy better addresses their unique experiences related to alcohol consumption.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Culturally adapted interpersonal psychotherapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individual psychotherapy intervention based on Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B) with additional cultural adaptation for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

New York State Psychiatric Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

481

Recruited

154,000+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3711642/

A Pilot Study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for ... Women's drinking behavior, depressive symptoms, and interpersonal functioning improved significantly over the treatment period and were sustained at follow-up.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11468295/

Culturally adapted evidence-based treatments for adults with ... Our study found CAIs to be a promising approach for reducing substance use and related consequences. We call for more efficacy/effectiveness and implementation ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05070793

Improving Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment for Gender ... In racial/ethnic and sexual minority (lesbian/gay/bisexual) studies, cultural adaptation improved treatment acceptability, retention, and effectiveness; ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871621003513

Culturally adapted evidence-based treatments for adults ... Our study found CAIs to be a promising approach for reducing substance use and related consequences. We call for more efficacy/effectiveness and implementation ...

5. europepmc.org europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc4778727

Pilot Outcome Results of Culturally Adapted Evidence ... Conclusions. Results suggest that culturally adapted EBTs yield significant improvements in alcohol use, psychological distress, and legal problems among AI/ANs ...

6. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2014.68.4.385

Is Interpersonal Psychotherapy Infinitely Adaptable? A ... We conclude with that although there have been myriad successful adaptations of IPT, there remain some conditions for which IPT adaptations have not been found ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395925000696

The relationship between patient-centred care for ... The findings from this review suggest largely positive associations between these PCC components and the outcomes of generalist and specialist SUD services.