Neurocognitive and Brain Tools for Opioid Use Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to better understand how opioid use disorder (OUD) and related issues like depression and anxiety affect brain function and treatment outcomes. Researchers use advanced tools to identify factors leading to poor executive function, which can impact a person's ability to adhere to treatment and avoid relapse. The study includes two groups: one with healthy individuals and another with people living with OUD who are stable on medication-assisted therapy, such as buprenorphine-naloxone or methadone. This trial might be suitable for those with OUD who have maintained a stable medication dose for at least a week and can read and speak English. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve future treatment strategies for OUD.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires participants with opioid use disorder to be on a stable dose of oral buprenorphine-naloxone or methadone for at least one week. It doesn't specify if you need to stop other medications, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.
What prior data suggests that these tools are safe for use in this research?
Research has shown that functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a safe and non-invasive method. It uses light to monitor brain activity and has been well-received in numerous studies. Participants using fNIRS have not reported any major side effects, making it a comfortable option for studying brain function.
The neurocognitive battery consists of tasks and tests that measure brain functions like memory and attention. These tests are common in research and are generally safe. Although they can sometimes be tiring or frustrating, no serious risks are known.
Overall, both fNIRS and the neurocognitive battery are considered safe for participants, with no significant side effects reported in studies.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it takes a novel approach to understanding and treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Unlike traditional treatments that primarily focus on medication-assisted therapy, this trial integrates brain imaging, neurocognitive testing, and computational tools. This could help uncover new insights into how the brain functions in people with OUD and may lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies. By combining these advanced techniques, the trial aims to provide a deeper understanding of OUD and potentially revolutionize the way it is managed.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for opioid use disorder?
This trial will compare two groups: healthy controls and patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Research has shown that functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which participants in this trial may undergo, can enhance understanding of brain function in individuals with addiction. This tool measures brain activity in real-time and may help predict treatment response for OUD. Studies have found that fNIRS can monitor changes in brain areas related to cravings, a major aspect of addiction.
For the neurocognitive tests, another component of this trial, research suggests that people with OUD often experience problems with memory and flexible thinking. These issues can hinder their ability to follow treatment plans. Identifying these problems may lead to better treatment strategies and improved outcomes for those with OUD.678910Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo brain, neurocognitive, and computational assessments to understand the impact of opioid-use disorder on executive function and clinical outcomes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for drug use, mental health symptoms, and medication adherence
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- fNIRS
- Neurocognitive battery
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Individuals with opioid use disorder who have been on a stable dose of medication assisted therapy for at least a week.
Healthy controls, people not living with opioid use disorder or on medication assisted therapy for such.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Factors associated with cognitive flexibility in people ...
This pilot study suggests that working memory and cognitive flexibility are impaired in people with OUD and that impulsiveness and social function are key ...
Neurocognitive performance of patients undergoing ...
The neurocognitive performance did neither improve nor deteriorate after three months of treatment with neither IV-DAM nor oral opioids.
A pilot study investigating cognitive impairment associated ...
Findings revealed that opioid-related ODs may be associated with, or contribute to, reduced cognition.
4.
cambridgecognition.com
cambridgecognition.com/using-a-multidisciplinary-approach-to-characterise-the-neurobiology-of-addiction/Using a multidisciplinary approach to characterise the ...
What we will use CANTAB for in our study. Previous studies have demonstrated impaired neurocognitive functioning in people with opioid use disorder. Recent ...
Adapting behavioural interventions to compensate for ...
A comprehensive collection of potential strategies to compensate for cognitive dysfunction among patients with OUD.
A Pilot Study Investigating Cognitive Impairment ...
In 2021, while overdose (OD) deaths were at the highest in recorded history, it is estimated that >80% of ODs do not result in a fatality.
Neuropsychological impairment associated with substance ...
Available data suggest that between 12 and 15% will have a diagnosable mental health condition resulting in a moderate to high risk of ...
Neuropsychological effects of long-term opioid use in ...
The aim of this study was to assess the neuropsychological effects of opioids in persons with chronic low back pain and to compare differences in cognitive ...
Drug-Induced Cognitive Impairment | Drug Safety
Cognitive effects of long-term opioid use are less well studied than acute effects, but there are some experimental and clinical data. For ...
10.
wvutoday.wvu.edu
wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2021/08/30/at-least-80-of-opioid-overdoses-aren-t-fatal-wvu-researchers-want-to-know-how-they-affect-the-brainAt least 80% of opioid overdoses aren't fatal, WVU ...
While evidence exists to support a link between overdose, cognitive impairment and brain abnormalities, more research is needed in this area.
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