The Effects of Adolescents Alcohol Use on Oral Microbiota and the Brain.

Date Added
August 6th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00138324
Researcher
Anna Kirkland

List of Studies

Keywords
Adolescents, Alcohol, Brain, Drug Studies, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Substance Use
Summary

Adolescence is a time of development in the brain and microbiome, including the microbiome present in the mouth called the oral microbiome. Alcohol use often begins and escalates during adolescence, which can cause changes to the oral microbiome leading to changes in the brain. The alcohol specific changes to the oral microbiome and the brain may make adolescents more vulnerable to a lifelong struggle with alcohol use disorder. This study will collect (1) saliva to assess the composition of the oral microbiome and (2) brain measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across adolescents who may or may not use alcohol. Findings from this study will help form a more thorough understanding of the biological consequences of adolescent alcohol use, with the long-term goal of informing novel prevention and intervention efforts.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Anna Kirkland
(843) 792-5453
kirklaan@musc.edu

EMPWR Pilot Trial: Treatment Retention in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Date Added
August 6th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00137982
Researcher
Sara Witcraft

List of Studies

Keywords
Anxiety, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Psychiatry, Sleep Disorders, Substance Use, Women's Health
Summary

This study involves testing how useful a technology-enhanced intervention is for pregnant people prescribed buprenorphine for the management of opioid use disorder. The intervention being studied is a brief therapy protocol and a mobile application. Participation involves four 60-minute biweekly (i.e., once every other week) therapy appointments during pregnancy, and three 30-minute therapy appointments monthly during the first three months after childbirth. The mobile application will be accessible for at least the duration of the study. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires at enrollment and again at 1-month postpartum and 3-months postpartum, and will be contacted approximately once a month to conduct a medication count. The total duration of the study is 6 months. Compensation is provided.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Maham Dilawar
843-214-4496
dilawarm@musc.edu

Comparative Effectiveness of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy vs TAU for Adjustment Disorder Following Traumatic Event Exposure

Date Added
March 5th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00134707
Researcher
Ronald Acierno

List of Studies

Keywords
Mental Health, Military, Psychiatry
Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a treatment called Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for reducing symptoms of adjustment disorder compared to the standard treatment, or treatment as usual (TAU) for adjustment disorder called Moving Forward Problem-Solving Therapy (TAU-PST).

Participants will be randomly selected to receive 10-14 weekly sessions of TBT or TAU-PST with a licensed therapist.

This study is open to Veterans and Active-Duty service personnel in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System catchment area (including Savannah, Myrtle Beach, Hinesville and Beaufort community-based outpatient clinics).

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Stephanie Hart
843-789-6519
zeigls@musc.edu

Sequential Trial of Adding Buprenorphine, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Outcomes of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain (ACTION)

Date Added
January 2nd, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00130123
Researcher
Kelly Barth

List of Studies


Keywords
Drug Studies, Pain, Psychiatry, Substance Use
Summary

This study aims to investigate innovative approaches to managing chronic pain and opioid use. This study consists of two phases, each offering different treatment options. Participation is voluntary.

This study will sequentially evaluate three novel and scalable interventions for at-risk individuals on long term opioid therapy for chronic pain: (1) low-dose transdermal buprenorphine initiation without a period of opioid withdrawal; (2) a brief Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for pain (CBI); and (3) transcranial magnetic stimulation by examining standardized repeated measures of clinical outcomes at baseline, during treatment, and at follow-up.

Phase 1:
In this initial phase, all participants will have a 1-week open-label trial of buprenorphine (worn as a patch on the arm, shoulder or upper-back). This trial aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine in managing chronic pain and opioid use. During this phase, participants will have the opportunity to experience the effects of buprenorphine under close monitoring.

Phase 2:
After completing Phase 1, participants will have the opportunity to choose their next course of treatment. They can decide to continue with buprenorphine, and undergo a 1-week trial of either real buprenorphine or a placebo (an inactive substance). They will be randomly assigned to receive either real or placebo buprenorphine. If participants respond well to buprenorphine treatment, they may continue the medication under the care of their physician.

Alternatively, participants can explore an alternative treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Phase 2. If they opt for rTMS, they will receive either real rTMS or a sham version interspersed with cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham rTMS.

In both phases, participants will receive close monitoring and attend regular study visits to assess safety and progress. Throughout the study, they will be asked to complete questionnaires about pain, functioning and opioid use, undergo physiological monitoring and blood samples will be collected at specific points.

It's important to note that there are potential risks associated with the study medication, such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, and dizziness. Additionally, for the rTMS arm, there is risk of mild headache, pain at the stimulation site, and there may be unknown risks related to the brain stimulation.

Participants' experience in Phase 1 will involve an open-label trial of buprenorphine, and participants' decisions in Phase 2 will determine the treatment path. While the effectiveness of these treatments is uncertain, participants will receive thorough monitoring throughout the study, and have the option to withdraw at any time. Improvement in participant symptoms is possible but not guaranteed.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Georgia Mappin
843-764-7316
mappin@musc.edu

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for the treatment of anxiety comorbid with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Date Added
December 5th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00128238
Researcher
Stewart Cox

List of Studies

Keywords
Adolescents, Anxiety, Autism, Psychiatry
Summary

This is a research study to find out if anxiety in patients with autism spectrum disorder are affected by a form of ear stimulation called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or taVNS. Participants will learn how to self-administer ear stimulation treatments at home before starting the study. Over the course of a month, participants will self-administer ear stimulation treatments twice a day for a month. Each treatment will last up to 60 minutes (1 hour) and there will be a break of at least 30 minutes in between treatments. The study team will ask participants to complete a group of questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study. There will also be a smaller number of questionnaires completed electronically on a weekly basis. The questionnaires will ask questions about mental health symptoms that subjects may or may not be experiencing, including questions about mood, anxiety, and sleep.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Nicole Cash
843-792-9502
cashni@musc.edu

Leveraging Technology to Reduce Disparities and Improve Early Detection of and Timely Care for Postpartum Complications

Date Added
November 7th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00130902
Researcher
Constance Guille

List of Studies


Keywords
Mental Health, Minorities, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Post Partum Depression, Pregnancy, Psychiatry, Women's Health
Summary

The purpose of the study is to learn if a program for newborn mom's can improve detection of complications after delivery and help women get medical care quickly and easily. Participants will be asked to complete a survey at the time of enrollment and at 4 additional times. All surveys can be completed via cell-phone or email. All women will be followed for 1-year after delivery. Women that enroll will be assigned to one of two groups: usual in person care OR usual in-person care PLUS a text message-based program that will ask about sign and symptoms of complications that may occur after delivery. If there is a concern, a care coordinator will call on the phone to discuss options and help refer to care if needed. Participants will be paid for their time in completing surveys.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Ellen Gomez
843-998-5635
gomezel@musc.edu

Clinical Feasibility of Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation for the Treatment of Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Date Added
September 5th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00128763
Researcher
Charles Palmer

List of Studies

Keywords
Depression, Mental Health, Psychiatry
Summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of a novel treatment, low intensity focused ultrasound pulsation (LIFUP) for treatment resistant depression (TRD). The initial visit will involve consent and an MRI scan, followed by two more treatment visits over the course of one week. During the first treatment day, participants will receive either focused ultrasound or sham stimulation. On the second treatment day, all participants will receive focused ultrasound. Response and potential side effects will be monitored pre- and post- each treatment along with one week and one month follow-up assessments. Follow-up assessments will also involve an MRI scan.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Charles Palmer
843-697-9989
palmecha@musc.edu

Neurobehavioral and Immune Effects of Citicoline in Youth Alcohol Use Disorder

Date Added
June 6th, 2023
PRO Number
Pro00128800
Researcher
Lindsay Squeglia

List of Studies