Towards a Targeted Ultrasound Neuromodulation Intervention for Alcohol Abuse Disorders

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Alcohol Use Disorder

• Registration Number: NCT06894966
• Lead Sponsor: University of Plymouth

Brief Summary

This study explores the potential of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as an innovative therapeutic approach for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. By targeting specific brain regions associated with compulsive behaviors and reward dysfunction, the researchers aim to assess the safety and efficacy of TUS in reducing symptoms and enhancing cognitive flexibility.

Detailed Description

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a prevalent and highly debilitating condition characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption, loss of control over drinking behavior, and significant impairment in social functioning and quality of life. Estimates suggest that the economic burden of AUD is substantial, with alcohol-related harm costing the UK over £21 billion per year (Public Health England, 2016). There is a pressing need for novel interventions that surpass current treatment approaches in both effectiveness and comprehensiveness, addressing the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying AUD. Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique with the potential to modulate neural activity with high spatial precision.

The neural basis of AUD involves dysfunction across several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (impaired executive control: Koob \& Volkow, 2016), the striatum (habit formation and reinforcement: Everitt \& Robbins, 2016), the amygdala (heightened stress reactivity: Koob, 2021), and the thalamus (altered sensory and reward processing: Müller-Oehring et al., 2015). TUS can precisely modulate neuronal activity in both cortical and subcortical regions, making it a promising tool for targeting the disrupted neurocircuitry of AUD. This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of TUS in modulating key brain regions involved in compulsive alcohol use and cognitive control, with the goal of reducing AUD-related symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-27
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-19
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-19
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-25
• Study Start: 2025-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2026-09-19
• Study Completion: 2026-09-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events	Immediately after TUS session; one day and one week after TUS. Same for sham, to compare the TUS active and sham.	number of adverse events

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in AUD symptoms	immediately prior to TUS sessions, within 1 hour post TUS and every day that follow TUS for 7 days	numerical AUD symptoms rating scale and Alcohol Consumptions

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Health; 🇬🇧 Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom