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Approach avoidance training versus Sham in veterans with alcohol use disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled
M M Caudle1, R Klaming2,3, C Fong1
1San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University, University of California, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA.
BMC Psychiatry
|July 12, 2023
Summary
Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) is being studied as a computer-delivered therapy to help Veterans with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other psychiatric conditions. This trial investigates if AAT improves recovery outcomes when added to standard outpatient care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders in Veterans.
- Approach Avoidance Training (AAT), a computer-delivered cognitive bias modification, shows promise for treating AUD by targeting implicit approach bias.
- The effectiveness of AAT as an adjunctive treatment for AUD in Veterans with comorbid psychiatric conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of AAT as an adjunctive treatment for AUD in Veterans receiving standard outpatient care.
- To assess the impact of AAT on AUD recovery outcomes, including functional consequences of drinking and alcohol consumption.
- To examine the effects of AAT on behavioral indicators of alcohol approach bias and neural responses using fMRI.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 136 Veterans with AUD and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
- Participants will be randomized to receive 6 weeks of AAT or a Sham condition alongside usual care.
- Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, with a subset undergoing fMRI.
Main Results:
- This study represents the first randomized controlled trial of AAT as an adjunctive therapy for AUD in Veterans with comorbid psychiatric disorders.
- Behavioral and neuroimaging data will elucidate the extent to which AAT modifies approach bias towards alcohol cues.
- Findings will inform the potential of AAT as a low-cost adjunctive treatment option for AUD.
Conclusions:
- AAT may offer a novel, computer-delivered intervention for Veterans with AUD and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
- The study aims to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of AAT in improving AUD recovery.
- Successful outcomes could establish AAT as a valuable, accessible treatment modality.
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