Development of Goal Management Training⁺ for Methamphetamine Use Disorder Through Collaborative Design

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is linked to executive dysfunction, impacting treatment outcomes like relapse and dropout.
• Current MUD treatments do not specifically target these executive function deficits.
• Goal Management Training (GMT) is a cognitive remediation program that can be adapted for MUD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To tailor GMT for MUD's specific cognitive deficits and treatment duration.
• To assess engagement and acceptability of the revised GMT program with MUD consumers.
• To develop a manualized version of the program for clinical providers.

Main Methods:

• A four-phased approach following the Medical Research Council Complex Interventions Framework.
• Collaboration with neuropsychology experts, design researchers, MUD consumers, and clinicians.
• Iterative development including content refinement, intervention design, prototype testing, and stakeholder review.

Main Results:

• GMT+ targets attention, impulse control, goal setting, and decision-making, incorporating feedback on habitualizing strategies and applying them in emotional contexts.
• Consumers supported the program's strategies and materials, suggesting enhancements for personal relevance.
• Clinicians supported the revised GMT+ program, with suggestions for minimizing unintended effects.

Conclusions:

• GMT+ is a tailored cognitive intervention for MUD, addressing key cognitive processes and clinical needs.
• The development process ensured the active ingredients and materials were informed by evidence and user feedback.
• GMT+ demonstrated initial consumer and provider acceptability, supporting its potential for clinical trials.