Effects of Cannabis Abstinence on Symptomology and Cognition in Bipolar Disorder

Not Applicable

Withdrawn

• Conditions: Cannabis Use Disorder; Cognition; Bipolar Disorder
• Interventions: Behavioral: Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session

• Registration Number: NCT03629106
• Lead Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Brief Summary

The objective of this study is to assess the changes in symptoms and cognition that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and Bipolar (Type I or II) disorder. Stabilized bipolar patients (N=52) with CUD will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) A contingent reinforcement (CR) group (n=26); 2) a non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) group (n=26). The study will include a total of 8 visits to the CAMH Russell site (screening, training, baselines, week 1-4, follow-up). Participants should be between the ages of 18-60, meet criteria for CUD (moderate to severe), meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder, be on a stable dose of mood stabilizing medication(s), and be non-treatment seeking cannabis user. The visits will take up a total of approximately 22.5 hours with compensation for time provided for both groups. These visits will involve multiple clinical, substance use, and cognitive assessments. Abstinence will be maintained by weekly behavioural coaching sessions and contingency reinforcement for the CR group.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2018-08-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2018-08-09
• Study First Posted: 2018-08-14
• Study Start: 2018-10-01
• Primary Completion: 2022-08-31
• Study Completion: 2022-08-31
• Status Verified: 2023-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-09-07
• Last Update Posted: 2023-09-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: WITHDRAWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: Not specified

Inclusion Criteria

• All participants must be between the ages 18-60
• Meet SCID for DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder, moderate to severe
• Meet SCID for DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Disorder (Type I or II)
• Be an outpatient receiving a stable dose of mood stabilizing medication(s) for at least one month
• Have a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) baseline assessment in the range of 12-25
• Have a Full-Scale IQ of at least 80 as determined by the WTAR
• Be a non-treatment seeking cannabis user
• Evidence of sufficient motivation and effort as measured by a Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) score of at least 45
• Y-MRS baseline score in the range of 0-15

Exclusion Criteria

• Meets criteria for abuse or dependence of alcohol or other illicit substances within the past 6 months (with the exception of cannabis, nicotine, or caffeine)
• Positive urine screen for illicit substances other than cannabis, nicotine, or caffeine
• Current suicidal or homicidal ideation
• Psychotic disorder diagnosis (e.g. schizoaffective disorder, major depression with psychotic features) as determined by the SCID
• Treatment seeking for cannabis use
• Head Injury > 5 minutes LOC
• Exceed upper and lower cut-offs on HSRD-17 and YMRS

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Contingent Reinforcement	Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session	The Contingent Reinforcement (CR) group (n=26) will be given an abstinence bonus at the successful completion of a 28-Day cannabis abstinence verified by self-report and urinary THC-COOH level \<20 ng/ml.
No Contingent Reinforcement	Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session	The Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR) group (n=26) will not be given an abstinence bonus at the successful completion of a 28-Day cannabis abstinence.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in depressive symptoms in cannabis-dependent patients with bipolar disorder as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).	Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)	The clinical assessment will be administered weekly during the abstinence period and conducted by study personnel.
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in hypomania symptoms in cannabis-dependent patients with bipolar disorder as assessed by the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).	Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)	The clinical assessment will be administered weekly during the abstinence period and conducted by study personnel.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in cognitive function in cannabis dependent patients with bipolar disorder as assessed by a cognitive battery administered at Baseline, Week 2, Endpoint and Follow-Up.	Bi-Weekly (Day 0, Day 14, Day 28) and at 8 Weeks (Follow-up Day 56)	The cognitive battery will include the primary outcome of motivation and effort (assessed by TOMM) and will be compared to baseline (Day 1) performance. Cortical inhibition will also be assessed and compared.
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in co-occurring anxiety in cannabis dependent patients with bipolar disorder as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).	Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)	The clinical assessment will be administered at Baseline, weekly during the abstinence period and Follow-up and will be conducted by study personnel.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ontario, Canada