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Behavioral Therapy for Reduction in Smoking Craving

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Tobacco Dependence
Smoking Cessation
Interventions
Behavioral: standard cognitive behavioral therapy
Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Registration Number
NCT00449293
Lead Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Brief Summary

The objective of this pilot research is to investigate the effects of two behavioral smoking cessation programs on aspects of cue-induced cigarette craving, and to further investigate the neural bases of such effects.

Detailed Description

The objective of this pilot research is to investigate the effects of two behavioral smoking cessation programs on aspects of cue-induced cigarette craving, and to further investigate the neural bases of such effects. The specific objectives of the study include 1) to investigate the effects of behavioral therapy on cue induced craving using a cognitive task and a fMRI paradigm 2) to pilot test questionnaires and study procedures, and 3) to gather preliminary estimates of the effect size of the novel behavioral therapy for smoking cessation in order to inform the design of a larger trial. A secondary goal of this research is 1) to determine the impact of two cognitive coping techniques on attentional bias to smoking related cues as measured by behavioral responses and patterns of neural activation and 2) to determine the impact of two cognitive coping techniques on cue-induced cigarette craving as measured by self-report and patterns of neural activation. Daily smokers desiring to quit smoking were randomized to one of two behavioral smoking cessation programs: (1) standard cognitive behavioral therapy or (2) mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Participants completed questionnaires and a brief computer-based cognitive testing paradigm. Participants also underwent a fMRI scan at quit day (week 5). A randomly assigned subset of the participants (n= 18), underwent two additional scans at baseline (week 1) and end-of-therapy (week 8). The study has thus used self-report measures, cognitive testing (Stroop task), and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) assessments.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Currently be cigarette smokers who desire to quit in the next 30 days (preparation phase).
  • Subjects must smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • English speaking
  • Able to read, understand, and complete a written questionnaire
  • Must be willing to attend 8 sessions of behavioral therapy and perform daily home practice
  • Must not currently be using pharmacologic therapy to quit
  • Must also be willing to abstain from pharmacologic therapy for the duration of the study, which is 8 weeks from the time of enrollment.
  • Only strongly right-handed subjects will be included
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Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnant women
  • Have metal permanently in or on the body (aneurysm clips, permanent piercings, permanent dental work)
  • Weigh over 300 pounds
  • Known problem of claustrophobia
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1standard cognitive behavioral therapy-
2Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Participant acceptability of novel behavioral intervention (mindfulness)baseline - session 8
Feasibility of recruitment and retention of participantsbaseline - session 8 and 6 month follow-up
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Smoking cessationbaseline - session 8 and 6 month follow-up
Exhaled CO readingsbaseline, sessions 5 & 8
Salivary cotinine measuresbaseline and sessions 5 & 8
Perceived Stress Scalebaseline & session 8
Reaction times on Smoking Stroop tasks (behavioral and fMRI-administered)Sessions 1,5, & 8
Trait Self-Control Scalebaseline & session 8
Positive and Negative Affect Scalebaseline & session 8
Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scalebaseline & session 8
Craving response from a smoking cue (fMRI)Sessions 1,5, & 8
Psychological Measuresbaseline & session 8
Self Reported Measures:baseline, sessions 5 & 8
State Ego Depletion Scalebaseline & session 8
Snaith-Hamilton Hedonic Capacity Scalebaseline & session 8
Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Scalesbaseline & session 8
Self-Efficacy Scalebaseline & session 8
Mindful Attention Awareness Scalebaseline & session 8
Mindfulness meditation practice (mindfulness participants only, time in minutessessions 1-8

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Pittsburgh

🇺🇸

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

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