Neurocognition in buprenorphine maintenance treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising neurocognition in people on buprenorphine maintenance treatment for opioid dependence
IRAS ID
364285
Contact name
Louise Paterson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Opioid addiction is a major public health challenge in the UK, and treatment with opioid substitution therapy (e.g. methadone or buprenorphine), although useful for helping stabilising patients coming off illicit opioids, may have negative effects when used long-term. Our previous study NCORE found impairments in the functioning of some mental processes, or cognitions, in people with opioid dependence on methadone maintenance treatment. The main purpose of the study is to understand whether the functioning of these mental processes is also impaired in people on buprenorphine maintenance treatment. The types of cognitions being investigated include attention, memory, emotional processing, decision-making, problem-solving and planning.
The primary aim is to understand whether these types of mental processes work differently for people receiving buprenorphine compared with people who do not have a history of opioid dependence. We will also compare the results with people who are receiving methadone treatment. This will help provide a clearer picture about which substitution treatment (buprenorphine or methadone) for opioid dependence might work better for some people compared with others.
To assess different types of mental processing, our research will use different types of neurocognitive tasks (computer games), which the participants will complete in one singular study visit. The tasks measure different mental processes that are important during everyday life.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0420
Date of REC Opinion
6 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion