Thalamus and hypothalamus in cocaine dependence
- Study HIC#:2000023121
- Last Updated:02/22/2024
You are invited to participate in a research study designed to increase our understanding of human brain dysfunction in cocaine dependence. In the current study, we will use MRI scans to understand how human brain is activated by such things as thinking, looking at pictures, or playing games. We hope that the findings will help develop better treatments to reduce cocaine craving. No medications. No radioactivity.
- Age18 years - 55 years
- GenderBoth
Contact Us
For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:
Monica Ortiz
- Phone Number: 1-203-737-8865
Help Us Discover!
You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile, or contact helpusdiscover@yale.edu, or call +18779788343 for more information.
Trial Purpose and Description
This study targets the deep brain regions and aims to increase our understanding of thalamic and hypothalamic cortical dysfunction in cocaine dependence. Previous studies demonstrated that chronic cocaine use affects the thalamus and hypothalamus. These brain structures are very important for cognitive control and intrinsic motivation. In the current study, we will use MRI scans to understand how the thalamus and hypothalamus responds to cognitive control, reward, craving, emotion, and intrinsic motivation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Between ages 18-55 years old.
2. Able to read and write.
3. Meet DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence; report current cocaine use (smoking or
intravenous) of at least once a week or more; confirmation of recent cocaine use in urine
toxicology test during initial assessments and prior to admission to the CMHC.
4. Treatment-seeking
5. Physically healthy with no major medical illnesses, current use of prescription medications,
history of head injury or any neurological illness.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Any significant current medical condition such as neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal,
hepatic, thyroid pathology. History of head injury with loss of consciousness.
2. Current or past history of psychotic disorders.
3. Current or past history of substance (except nicotine) use disorder other than cocaine
dependence.
4. Regular use of any psychoactive drugs including anxiolytics and antidepressants. Individuals
with current depressive or anxiety symptoms requiring treatment or currently being treated for
these symptoms will be excluded as well.
5. Any subjects with foreign ferromagnetic metal objects in their body or other MR contraindications
will be excluded.
6. History of fainting as a result of blood draws.
7. Pregnant or lactating women will not be recruited for the study.
Healthy control participants:
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Between ages 18-55 years old.
2. Able to read and write.
3. Demographics matching CD participants.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Meet criteria for current or history of any Axis I (except nicotine use) disorder
2. Regular use of any psychoactive drugs including anxiolytics and antidepressants.
3. Any significant current medical condition such as neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal,
hepatic, thyroid pathology; subjects on prescription medications will be excluded.
4. Any subjects with foreign ferromagnetic metal objects in their body or other MR contraindications
will be excluded.
5 History of fainting as a result of blood draws
6. Pregnant or lactating women will not be recruited for the study.
