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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02711371

Social and Emotional Brain Function in Cannabis Users

The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study is to find out whether and how social and emotional brain function are altered in dependent cannabis users relative to healthy non-using control subjects after a 28 supervised abstinence period. Previous research in cannabis users has predominantly focused on cognitive functions. Moreover, studies have implicated that observed deficits in cannabis users may regenerate after a prolonged abstinence period. Findings might provide important information with respect to relapse vulnerability.

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Key information

Conditions

Cannabis Dependence Behavior Behavior, Addictive Chemically-Induced Disorders Compulsive Behavior Impulsive Behavior Marijuana Abuse Mental Disorders Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Bonn / Department of Psychiatry

Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, 53111, Germany

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Cannabis dependence according to DSM 4 criteria
  • 28 days of supervised abstinence

Exclusion criteria

  • other DSM 4 diagnosis
  • neurological disorders

Treatment and study plan

fMRI

Other

Primary outcomes

  1. fMRI neural activation patterns of social-emotional brain processes after 28 day abstinence

    Time frame: one timepoint = fMRI assessment after 28 day abstinence period

    Activity patterns in core regions of the emotion processing & addiction-related brain networks (e.g. striatal regions, insular cortex, prefrontal cortex) will be assessed after 28-days of abstinence. Alterations will be determined by comparison with matched non-drug using controls

Secondary outcomes

  1. Ratings of subjective experience (pleasantness, rewarding value) will be assessed after 28 days of abstinence

    Time frame: one timepoint = during fMRI assessment after 28 day abstinence period

    Self-reported ratings of pleasantness & rewarding value during soft-pleasant touch.

  2. Relapse interview assessed with Timeline-Followback Method

    Time frame: one timepoint = 24 months post-fMRI-session

    Association between fMRI neural correlates and drug use during follow up period as predictor of relapse

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Other

Collaborators

  • German Research Foundation
  • University Hospital, Bonn

Registry information

Official study title

Long-term Effects of Cannabis Use on Social and Emotional Brain Processes in Dependent Cannabis Users After a 28 Day Abstinence Period

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Mar 17, 2016
Registry last updated
Feb 2, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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