Atomoxetine effects on neurocognitive function in alcohol dependence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The neurocognitive effects of Atomoxetine in alcohol dependent patients: An fMRI study.
IRAS ID
207030
Contact name
Theodora Duka
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 29 days
Research summary
Alcohol dependent patients demonstrate cognitive deficits in their ability to control their impulses to act, and in their ability to focus their attention, particularly in contexts and situations that they have associated with alcohol use.
Animal and human studies have indicated that a chemical in the brain (Noradrenaline) is important for the ability to control impulsive actions, and to focus attention by avoiding interference from distracters.
This study will test whether a drug, which increases Noradrenaline in the brain, Atomoxetine, can affect the focus of attention and the ability to control impulsive actions in alcohol dependent patients.
Atomoxetine is used for the treatment of similar impairments in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but is not currently approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. If Atomoxetine affects the cognitive functioning of alcohol dependent patients, by, for example, making them better able to control impulsive actions, it may help to control impulses to drink alcohol. Therefore, the results of this study may inform us of the possibility to use Atomoxetine in clinical trials for the treatment of alcohol dependence. In this study, we will use brain imaging to explore how Atomoxetine might have an effect in the brain.
Fourty alcohol dependent patients will be tested at the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre (CISC) at the University of Sussex campus on two separate occasions. On one occasion, they will receive an acute dose of 40mg of Atomoxetine, and on another occasion they will receive placebo. In each testing occasion, they will complete three main computer tasks in the brain scanner. These tasks measure: (a) a person’s ability to inhibit an inappropriate response; (b) a person’s ability to focus attention and resolve interference from distracters; and (c) a person’s ability to stop responding to stimuli that are no longer rewarding.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1118
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion