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Risk Factors for Stress-induced Alcohol Misuse: Genetic Predictors and Mediation by Personality Type

Completed
Conditions
Alcohol Use, Unspecified
Registration Number
NCT04533802
Lead Sponsor
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Brief Summary

To examine whether variation in 'risk-taking' personality and linked genetic variants predicts susceptibility to, and resilience against, stress-induced alcohol misuse.

Detailed Description

Alcohol misuse is a global health issue responsible for over 1 million hospital admissions per annum in the UK with a combined cost of approximately £21 billion. Chronic alcohol misuse in patients who attend hospital for alcohol-related illness/injury is common, with relapse and recidivism almost ubiquitous. Patients often report that 'stress' was a catalyst for their drinking episodes, but we do not know exactly who is most at risk, how stress leads to drinking, or the genetic basis for this risk. This research aims to seek to identify patients at higher risk of stress-induced alcohol misuse, or who are more resilient to stress in this context, using a combination of analyses ranging from genetic variants to personality tests and clinical follow-up. The ultimate goal is that patients engaging with alcohol services can receive personalised and focussed treatment and enhance recovery

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
29
Inclusion Criteria
  • Male or Female, aged (min) 18 years
  • Attended Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust following illness/injury related to alcohol use
  • Has a maximum AUDIT score of 15
  • Is willing and able to comply with study procedures
  • Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
  • Must be recruited within 24 hrs of ASNS referral, and able to be tested within 48 hours of referral
Exclusion Criteria

ny reported/suspected intellectual/learning disabilities (e.g., Down's Syndrome), neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism, Asperger's) or acquired brain injury

  • Has previously participated in this study
  • Should not be under the influence of alcohol during the study (12hrs previous to taking part) - to be determined via breathalyser.
  • Any history of advanced liver disease (clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis, jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites, variceal haemorrhage)

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Alcohol misuseimmediately after the procedure

Measured using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) (higher the score the worse the outcome)

Recent stressorsImmediately after the study visit

Measured using the 30 item Stress Overload Scale questionnaire (higher the score, the worse the outcome)

Life EventsImmediately after the study visit

Measured using the Life Events Checklist Questionnaire (the higher the score the worse the outcome)

Impulse BehaviourImmediately after the study visit

Measured using the the Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency, Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) higher values indicate more impulsive behavior.

Risk taking behaviourImmediately after the study visit

Measured by the Stop Signal Reaction Time Task (computer task) which measures the ability to inhibit a planned response

Molecular AnaylsisImmediately after the study visit

Cheek swabs will be taken from all participant to carry out genomic DNA analysis

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Portsmouth University Hospital

🇬🇧

Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom

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