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Ascone L, Wirtz J, Mellentin AI, Kugler D, Bremer T, Schadow F, Hoppe S, Jebens C, Kühn S. Transferring the approach avoidance task into virtual reality: a study in patients with alcohol use disorder versus healthy controls. VIRTUAL REALITY 2023; 27:2711-2722. [PMID: 37614715 PMCID: PMC10442255 DOI: 10.1007/s10055-023-00835-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Study aims were to (I) transfer the measurement of the approach bias (Apb) related to alcoholic stimuli via the Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) into Virtual Reality (VR), (II) check whether measuring Apb in VR leads to similar or different results compared to the classical PC-based version, (III) check the validity of VR versus PC-based bias scores in terms of relatedness to clinical variables. Different 'grasping-conditions' were tested and contrasted in VR concerning (Ia) feasibility (performance): (1) never grasp, (2) always grasp, (3) grasp when PULLing stimuli towards oneself. (Ib) Differences in the bias scores between patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and healthy controls (HC) were examined for each grasping-condition. (II) PC-based bias scores were computed and contrasted for AUD versus HC. (III) Correlations of the different VR- versus PC-based bias scores with AUD symptom severity and impulsivity were checked to evaluate validity. (Ia) Grasping-condition 1, followed by 3, showed acceptable (> 50%) and good (> 80%) rates of correct performances allowing for robust median estimation. (Ib) Significant differences in the resulting bias scores emerged between AUD and HC only for grasping-condition 1 (p = 0.034) and 3 at trend-level (p = 0.093). For grasping-condition 1 the Apb Median for AUD was different from zero at a non-significant trend-level (p = 0.064). (II) The PC-based bias scores did not discriminate between AUD versus HC groups. (III) Grasping-condition 1 and 3 VR-based bias scores correlated significantly with impulsivity. In sum, transferring the AAT into VR is feasible, valid, and best implemented without an additional grasping-component when using the VR-controller. This way of Apb assessment represents a viable, perhaps even superior, alternative to PC-based assessments. Trial registration The trial was pre-registered at AsPredicted #76854: 'Transferring the approach avoidance task into virtual reality', 10/13/2021; prior to any analyses being undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Ascone
- Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janina Wirtz
- Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelina Isabella Mellentin
- Unit for Clinical Alcohol Research, Unit for Psychiatric Research, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløwvej 18, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Brain Research-Inter-Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Center for Digital Psychiatry (CEDIP), Heden 11, 5000 Odense C, Region of Southern Denmark Denmark
| | - Dimitrij Kugler
- Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Bremer
- University of Applied Sciences, Treskowallee 8, 10318 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedrich Schadow
- University of Applied Sciences, Treskowallee 8, 10318 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stine Hoppe
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Jebens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck-UCL Center for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Bresin K, Hunt RA. Appetitive and Aversive Motivation in Dysregulated Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023:1461672231185509. [PMID: 37475669 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231185509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Appetitive and aversive motivation are prominent in theories of dysregulated behaviors. The authors conducted a meta-analysis of the association between individual differences in appetitive and aversive motivation and several dysregulated behaviors (i.e., alcohol use, marijuana use, tobacco use, binge eating, aggression, gambling, and nonsuicidal self-injury). Alcohol use (r = .17, k = 141), marijuana use (r = .13, k = 23), aggression (r = .22, k = 52), and gambling (r = .08, k = 55) were all significantly positively related to appetitive motivation. Binge eating (r = .28, k = 34) and self-injury (r = .17, k = 10) were significantly positively related to aversive motivation. Effect sizes were similar to the median effect size in personality research. Together, these results provide some evidence that some dysregulated behaviors are more correlated with approach motivation, whereas others are more correlated with aversive motivation, which may indicate distinct etiological pathways.
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Rosenthal A, Chen K, Beck A, Romanczuk-Seiferth N. Modifying Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer by approach avoidance training in healthy subjects: a proof of concept study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10074. [PMID: 37344561 PMCID: PMC10284857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of instrumental action by conditioned Pavlovian cues is hypothesized to play a role in the emergence and maintenance of maladaptive behavior. The Pavlovian to Instrumental transfer task (PIT) is designed to examine the magnitude of the influence of cues on behavior and we aim to manipulate the motivational value of Pavlovian cues to reduce their effect on instrumental responding. To this end, we utilized a joystick-based modification of approach and avoidance propensities that has shown success in clinical populations. To examine changes in PIT, we subjected 35 healthy participants to a series of experimental procedures: (1) Instrumental training was followed by (2) Pavlovian conditioning of neutral stimuli that were associated with monetary reward or loss. (3) In a subsequent joystick task, approach and avoidance tendencies toward conditioned cues were assessed. (4) In a transfer test, the PIT effect as the impact of conditioned cues on instrumental behavior was measured. (5) The explicit knowledge of cue-reward contingencies was assessed in a forced-choice phase. (6, 7) systematic joystick training was followed by a posttest (8) the transfer task and forced-choice test were repeated. We found no effect of training on approach-avoidance propensities in the context of this proof of concept study. A higher response rate towards negative stimuli during PIT after systematic training compared to sham training was seen. On the other hand, we saw an increased PIT effect after sham training. These results contribute to the understanding of the strength of the influence of cues on instrumental behavior. Our findings further stress the importance of context, instructions and operationalization of instrumental behavior in the framework of transfer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences|CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences|CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Beck
- Faculty of Health, Health and Medical University, Campus Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nina Romanczuk-Seiferth
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences|CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Dampuré J, Agudelo-Orjuela P, van der Meij M, Belin D, Barber HA. Electrophysiological signature of the interplay between habits and inhibition in response to smoking-related cues in individuals with a smoking habit: An event-related potential study. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:1335-1352. [PMID: 36829295 PMCID: PMC10946726 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The rigid, stimulus-bound nature of drug seeking that characterizes substance use disorder (SUD) has been related to a dysregulation of motivational and early attentional reflexive and inhibitory reflective systems. However, the mechanisms by which these systems are engaged by drug-paired conditioned stimuli (CSs) when they promote the enactment of seeking habits in individuals with a SUD have not been elucidated. The present study aimed behaviourally and electrophysiologically to characterize the nature of the interaction between the reflexive and reflective systems recruited by CSs in individuals with a smoking habit. We measured the behavioural performance and associated event-related potentials (ERPs) of 20 individuals with a smoking habit and 20 controls, who never smoked regularly, in a modified Go/NoGo task during which smoking-related CSs, appetitive and neutral pictures, presented either in first or third-person visual perspective were displayed 250 ms before the Go/NoGo cue. We show that smoking-related cues selectively influence early incentive motivation-related attention bias (N2 after picture onset), motor readiness and behavioural inhibition (Go-P3, NoGo-P3 and Pc) of individuals with a smoking habit only when presented from a first-person visual perspective. These data together identify the neural signature of the aberrant engagement of the reflexive and reflective systems during the recruitment of an incentive habit by CSs presented as if they had been response-produced, that is, as conditioned reinforcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dampuré
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
- Faculté de Psychologie, Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 79500, Niort, France
| | - Paola Agudelo-Orjuela
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
- Universidad Externado de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maartje van der Meij
- Departamento de Psicología Cognitiva, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
| | - David Belin
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Horacio A Barber
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
- Departamento de Psicología Cognitiva, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Tenerife, Spain
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL), Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
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Clausen B, Rinck M, Nizio P, Matoska CT, Zappi C, Smits JAJ, Gallagher MW, Zvolensky MJ, Garey L. Study protocol for approach bias retraining for nicotine addiction among dual combustible and electronic cigarette users. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 128:107145. [PMID: 36905980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use has become a popular method for nicotine delivery. Combustible cigarette (CC) cessation or reduction are the primary reasons for ECIG uptake among adults. Yet, most CC smokers who initiate ECIG use do not fully transition from CC to ECIG, despite intending to quit CC completely. Retraining approach bias, or the approach action tendency toward stimuli related to the substance of interest, has been effective in alcohol and CC use treatments. However, approach bias retraining for both CC and (ECIG) users has not been explored. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate the initial efficacy of approach bias retraining among dual CC and ECIG users. METHODS Eligible dual CC/ECIG using adults (N = 90) will complete a phone-screener, baseline assessment, 4 treatment sessions over 2 weeks, ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) post-intervention, and follow-ups at 4- and 6-week post-intervention. Participants will be assigned to one of three conditions at baseline: (1) CC + ECIG retraining; (2) CC only retraining; and (3) sham retraining. Participants will engage in a self-guided quit attempt to abstain from all nicotine products starting at treatment session 4. CONCLUSIONS The study may lead to a more effective treatment for at-risk nicotine users while simultaneously isolating explanatory mechanisms. The findings should guide advances in the theoretical conceptualization of nicotine addiction for dual users and mechanisms involved in maintaining and abstaining from CC and ECIG, and provide initial effect size data for a brief intervention, thus providing necessary data for a large-scale follow-up trial. Clinical Trials ID: NCT05306158.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Clausen
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Mike Rinck
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pamella Nizio
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America; HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Cameron T Matoska
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Christopher Zappi
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jasper A J Smits
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Matthew W Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael J Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America; HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lorra Garey
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America.
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van Alebeek H, Kahveci S, Rinck M, Blechert J. Touchscreen-based approach-avoidance responses to appetitive and threatening stimuli. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 78:101806. [PMID: 36435548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Individuals are thought to be biased towards approaching positive stimuli and avoiding negative stimuli. Yet, it is unclear whether this general pattern applies to all stimulus classes or whether biases are more specific. We expected significant approach biases towards two types of positive stimuli, appetitive foods and butterflies; and avoidance biases away from two types of negative stimuli, spoiled foods and spiders. METHODS A touchscreen-based Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT), using hand gestures toward or away from stimuli assessed biases. Questionnaires and image ratings assessed individual differences in stimulus evaluations. RESULTS Approach biases for butterflies and appetitive foods were found, the latter being strongest towards individually liked foods. There was no avoidance bias for spoiled foods. An avoidance bias for spiders was found in individuals with elevated spider fear. LIMITATIONS Incomplete counterbalancing precluded direct comparison between both positive and negative stimuli. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural biases in the touchscreen AAT generally co-vary with individuals' affective evaluation of the stimuli. Approach biases were elicited by positive stimuli independently of whether they were regularly (foods) or rarely (butterflies) approached in everyday life. This may hint towards a tendency to approach positive stimuli regardless of the specific category, whereas avoidance biases may be more stimulus specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah van Alebeek
- Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Sercan Kahveci
- Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mike Rinck
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Blechert
- Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Lender A, Wirtz J, Kronbichler M, Kahveci S, Kühn S, Blechert J. Differential Orbitofrontal Cortex Responses to Chocolate Images While Performing an Approach-Avoidance Task in the MRI Environment. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15010244. [PMID: 36615903 PMCID: PMC9823553 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chocolate is one of the most frequently craved foods, and it often challenges self-regulation. These cravings may be underpinned by a neural facilitation of approach behavior toward chocolate. This preregistered study investigated the behavioral and neural correlates of such a bias using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and reaction times (RTs). Methods: A total of n = 30 frequent chocolate eaters performed a relevant-feature approach-avoidance task (AAT) in the MRI scanner using buttons to enlarge (approach) or to shrink (avoid) pictures of chocolate and inedible control objects. We tested (a) whether implicit RT-based approach biases could be measured in a supine position in the scanner, (b) whether those biases were associated with activity in reward-related brain regions such as the insula, amygdala, striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and (c) whether individual RT-based bias-scores correlated with measures of chocolate craving. Results: Behaviorally, we found a highly reliable approach bias toward chocolate, defined by faster RTs in the compatible conditions (approach chocolate, avoid objects) compared to the incompatible conditions (avoid chocolate, approach objects). Neurally, this compatibility effect involved activity in the left medial OFC, a neural response that was positively correlated with individual approach bias scores. Conclusions: This study shows that the relevant feature AAT can be implemented in an fMRI setting in a supine position using buttons. An approach bias toward chocolate seems related to medial OFC activation that might serve to devalue chocolate when it has to be avoided. Our demonstration of neural and behavioral approach biases for chocolate underscores the need for stimulus-specific cognitive trainings to support healthy consumption and successful self-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lender
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Janina Wirtz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf Martinistrße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Kronbichler
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler Medical Centre, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sercan Kahveci
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Simone Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, University Medical Center Hamburg, Eppendorf Martinistrße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Blechert
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Wirtz J, Moritz S, Gehlenborg J, Ascone L, Kühn S. Is less more? Dismantling imaginal retraining and examining the effects of psychoeducation and embodied cognition on craving and alcohol consumption in problem drinkers. A randomized controlled trial. Addict Behav 2022; 135:107429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Wiechert S, Grafton B, MacLeod C, Wiers RW. When Alcohol Adverts Catch the Eye: A Psychometrically Reliable Dual-Probe Measure of Attentional Bias. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413263. [PMID: 34948871 PMCID: PMC8703285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Existing tasks assessing substance-related attentional biases are characterized by low internal consistency and test–retest reliability. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a novel dual-probe task to measure alcohol-related attentional bias. Undergraduate students were recruited in June 2019 (N = 63; final N = 57; mean age = 20.88, SD = 2.63, 67% females). In the dual-probe task, participants were presented with simultaneous visual streams of adverts promoting either alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and probes were presented in both streams. The dual-probe task measured the percentage of accurately identified probes that appeared on alcohol adverts in relation to total accuracy. The dual-probe task displayed excellent split-half reliability (M = 0.90, SD = 0.11; α = 0.90; 95% CI [0.84, 0.93]), and the derived attentional bias measure was significantly positively associated with beer drinking in a taste-test (r (57) = 0.33, p = 0.013; 95% CI [0.07, 0.54]), with habitual drinking (r (57) = 0.27, p = 0.045; 95% CI [0.01, 0.49]), and with increased craving (r (57) = 0.29, p = 0.031; 95% CI [0.03, 0.51]). Thus, the dual-probe task assessed attentional bias with excellent internal consistency and was associated with laboratory and habitual drinking measures, demonstrating initial support for the task’s utility in addiction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera Wiechert
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-1622406532
| | - Ben Grafton
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (B.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Colin MacLeod
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (B.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Reinout W. Wiers
- Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-Lab, Department of Psychology, Center for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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Machulska A, Eiler TJ, Kleinke K, Grünewald A, Brück R, Jahn K, Niehaves B, Klucken T. Approach bias retraining through virtual reality in smokers willing to quit smoking: A randomized-controlled study. Behav Res Ther 2021; 141:103858. [PMID: 33862407 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Automatic approach biases toward smoking-related cues have been implicated in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. Studies aiming at modifying such biases have shown promise in changing maladaptive approach tendencies for smoking cues and reducing smoking behavior. However, training effects tend to be small and partly inconsistent. The present randomized-controlled trial incorporated virtual reality (VR) technology into Approach Bias Modification (ABM) to improve efficacy. One-hundred-eight smokers attended behavioral counseling for smoking cessation and were thereafter randomized to receive VR-ABM or VR-control training. During VR-ABM, participants trained to implicitly avoid smoking-related objects and to approach alternative objects, while no such contingency existed in the VR-control condition. Trainings were administered in six sessions within a two-week period. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention (three weeks after baseline), and at follow-up (seven weeks after baseline). VR-ABM did not change approach biases, nor other cognitive biases, but it was superior in reducing daily smoking. However, this effect was limited to the two-week training period. Both groups improved in other smoking- and health-related variables across time. Future work should continue to investigate working mechanisms of ABM, in particular crucial training ingredients. VR could prove valuable for public health as the potential of VR-based treatments is large and not fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Machulska
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Tanja Joan Eiler
- Medical Informatics and Micro Systems Engineering, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany; Life Science Faculty, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Kristian Kleinke
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Armin Grünewald
- Medical Informatics and Micro Systems Engineering, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany; Life Science Faculty, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Rainer Brück
- Life Science Faculty, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Katharina Jahn
- Department of Business Informatics, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Björn Niehaves
- Department of Business Informatics, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
| | - Tim Klucken
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
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11
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Touchscreen-based assessment of food approach biases: Investigating reliability and item-specific preferences. Appetite 2021; 163:105190. [PMID: 33711352 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Strong cravings for unhealthy foods and implicit tendencies to approach them threaten the physical and mental health of vulnerable populations. Yet, implicit measures of food approach tendencies have methodological limitations, as existing approach-avoidance tasks (AAT) are often unreliable and require specialized hardware. We propose a novel method to measure approach biases: on a touchscreen, participants slide their hand either toward a food item (and away from control images) or away from it (and toward control images) in separate blocks. Adequate attention to the stimuli is ensured by the coupling of stimulus category to the required response. We found that this touchscreen-variant of the AAT yielded reliable bias scores when approach and avoidance were defined as movements relative to the stimulus rather than to the body. Compared to control images, we found an approach bias for low-calorie foods but not for high-calorie foods. This bias additionally varied on a food-by-food basis depending on the participant's desire to eat individual food items. Correlations with state and trait cravings were inconclusive. Future research needs to address the order effects that were found, in which participants avoiding foods in the first block showed larger biases than participants approaching food in the first block, likely due to insufficient opportunity to practice the task. Our findings highlight the need for approach bias retraining paradigms to use personalized stimulus sets. The task can enrich the methodological repertoire of research on eating disorders, obesity and cognitive bias modification.
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Kahveci S, Meule A, Lender A, Blechert J. Food approach bias is moderated by the desire to eat specific foods. Appetite 2020; 154:104758. [PMID: 32535212 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In a post-scarcity world, energy intake and excesses therein are mediated by psychological mechanisms, such as implicit inclinations to approach certain foods. We investigated how food deprivation, calorie content and individual food preferences affect this approach bias. Sixty women performed a touchscreen-based approach-avoidance task featuring a wide range of food items, once while satiated and once while food-deprived for 15 h. We found an overall approach bias towards food that was not influenced by food deprivation or calorie density of the food items. Instead, we found that approach bias related to the participants' (lack of) desire to eat specific food items, and to a lesser extent to how much their general desire to eat changed due to food deprivation. Links with food preference were selective to trials in which foods had to be approached, and were absent in trials in which foods had to be avoided, pointing to selectivity to appetitive brain systems and clarifying the nature of the bias. Approach bias was unrelated to overall state or trait food craving. We conclude approach bias for appetitive stimuli may primarily express itself as speeded approach rather than slowed avoidance. Additionally, our results show there is merit in personalizing stimulus selection for approach bias measurement and retraining, as approach bias was concordant with individual food preferences, rather than objective calorie content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sercan Kahveci
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Adrian Meule
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of the LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Anja Lender
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jens Blechert
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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13
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Kim N, Kim MJ, Hughes TL, Kwak H, Kong ID. Relationships of internet gaming reasons to biological indicators and risk of internet gaming addiction in Korean adolescent male game users. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:341. [PMID: 32605550 PMCID: PMC7329533 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02714-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no standard diagnostic criteria or interventions for internet gaming addiction (IGA) even though IGA is one of the most pervasive public health issues among youth worldwide. Internet gaming reasons or motivations have been studied as a potential predictor of IGA, but the results have been inconsistent and biological indicators of gaming reasons have rarely been studied. We sought to (1) identify categories of internet gaming reasons, (2) examine the relationship of gaming reasons to risk of IGA, and (3) describe biological indicators associated with reasons for gaming. METHODS We used a multi-phase cross-sectional design including individual interviews; focus group discussion; and descriptive, comparative analysis. Fifteen Korean adolescent male internet gamers participated in individual interviews and eight participated in a focus group aimed at identifying reasons for internet gaming. Using the identified gaming reasons from these sources we surveyed 225 adolescent game users using a self-report questionnaire. Participants provided blood samples for assessment of norepinephrine (NE) and serum cortisol. RESULTS We identified four major categories of internet gaming reasons: entertainment, getting along with friends, stress relief, and habitual gaming. The habitual group showed significantly greater risk of IGA than the other groups (p < .001) and the lowest plasma NE levels (p = .035), possibly indicating an alteration in autonomic function. CONCLUSION Health care providers are encouraged to screen adolescents for excessive internet gaming and to intervene with those who report habitual gaming behaviors. When feasible, assessment of biological indicators, such as plasma NE, may help to identify youth at greatest risk of IGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahyun Kim
- grid.412091.f0000 0001 0669 3109Keimyung University College of Nursing, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Mi Ja Kim
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Tonda L. Hughes
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Columbia University School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY USA
| | - Hyeweon Kwak
- grid.449010.80000 0004 1783 3666Department of Nursing, Daekyeung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - In Deok Kong
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University, Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Gangwon-Do, 26426, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Di Lemma LCG, Stancak A, Soto V, Fallon N, Field M. Event-related and readiness potentials when preparing to approach and avoid alcohol cues following cue avoidance training in heavy drinkers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1343-1358. [PMID: 32103280 PMCID: PMC7196951 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cue avoidance training (CAT) reduces alcohol consumption in the laboratory. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie the effects of this intervention are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The present study investigated the effects of a single session of CAT on event-related and readiness potentials during preparation of approach and avoidance movements to alcohol cues. METHODS Heavy drinking young adults (N = 60) were randomly assigned to complete either CAT or control training. After training, we recorded participants' event-related and motor readiness potentials as they were preparing to respond. RESULTS In the CAT group, N200 amplitude was higher when preparing to approach rather than avoid alcohol pictures. In the control group, N200 amplitudes did not differ for approach and avoidance to alcohol pictures. Regarding the late positive potential (LPP), in the CAT group, the negativity of this was blunted when preparing to avoid alcohol pictures relative to when preparing to avoid control pictures. In the control group, the negativity of the LPP was blunted when preparing to approach alcohol pictures relative to when preparing to approach control pictures. There were no effects on motor readiness potentials. Behavioural effects indicated short-lived effects of training on reaction times during the training block that did not persist when participants were given time to prepare their motor response before executing it during the EEG testing block. CONCLUSIONS After a single session of CAT, the enhanced N200 when approaching alcohol cues may indicate the engagement of executive control to overcome the associations learned during training. These findings clarify the neural mechanisms that may underlie the effects of CAT on drinking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C G Di Lemma
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, UK.
- Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Chester, UK.
| | - Andrej Stancak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vicente Soto
- Centre for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nick Fallon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matt Field
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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15
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Mahlberg J, Seabrooke T, Weidemann G, Hogarth L, Mitchell CJ, Moustafa AA. Human appetitive Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer: a goal-directed account. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 85:449-463. [DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Food Addiction: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Overeating. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11092086. [PMID: 31487791 PMCID: PMC6770567 DOI: 10.3390/nu11092086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the obesity epidemic being largely attributed to overeating, much research has been aimed at understanding the psychological causes of overeating and using this knowledge to develop targeted interventions. Here, we review this literature under a model of food addiction and present evidence according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorders. We review several innovative treatments related to a food addiction model ranging from cognitive intervention tasks to neuromodulation techniques. We conclude that there is evidence to suggest that, for some individuals, food can induce addictive-type behaviours similar to those seen with other addictive substances. However, with several DSM-5 criteria having limited application to overeating, the term ‘food addiction’ is likely to apply only in a minority of cases. Nevertheless, research investigating the underlying psychological causes of overeating within the context of food addiction has led to some novel and potentially effective interventions. Understanding the similarities and differences between the addictive characteristics of food and illicit substances should prove fruitful in further developing these interventions.
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17
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Frontal Alpha Asymmetry and Inhibitory Control among Individuals with Cannabis Use Disorders. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9090219. [PMID: 31470590 PMCID: PMC6770848 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9090219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand the biopsychosocial mechanisms associated with development and maintenance of cannabis use disorder (CUD), we examined frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) as a measure of approach bias and inhibitory control in cannabis users versus healthy nonusers. We investigated: (1) whether FAA could distinguish cannabis users from healthy controls; (2) whether there are cue-specific FAA effects in cannabis users versus controls; and (3) the time course of cue-specific approach motivation and inhibitory control processes. EEG data were analyzed from forty participants (CUD (n = 20) and controls (n = 20)) who completed a modified visual attention task. Results showed controls exhibited greater relative right hemisphere activation (indicating avoidance/withdrawal motivation) when exposed to cannabis cues during the filtering task. By contrast, cannabis users exhibited greater relative left activation (approach) to all cues (cannabis, positive, negative, and neutral), reflecting a generalized approach motivational tendency, particularly during later stages of inhibitory control processes. The difference between cannabis users and controls in FAA was largest during mid- to late processing stages of all cues, indicating greater approach motivation during later stages of information processing among cannabis users. Findings suggest FAA may distinguish cannabis users from healthy controls and shows promise as a measure of inhibitory control processes in cannabis users.
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18
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Eder AB, Dignath D. Expected Value of Control and the Motivational Control of Habitual Action. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1812. [PMID: 31456715 PMCID: PMC6700681 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of habitual actions is that, once they are established, they become insensitive to changes in the values of action outcomes. In this article, we review empirical research that examined effects of posttraining changes in outcome values in outcome-selective Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) tasks. This review suggests that cue-instigated action tendencies in these tasks are not affected by weak and/or incomplete revaluation procedures (e.g., selective satiety) and substantially disrupted by a strong and complete devaluation of reinforcers. In a second part, we discuss two alternative models of a motivational control of habitual action: a default-interventionist framework and expected value of control theory. It is argued that the default-interventionist framework cannot solve the problem of an infinite regress (i.e., what controls the controller?). In contrast, expected value of control can explain control of habitual actions with local computations and feedback loops without (implicit) references to control homunculi. It is argued that insensitivity to changes in action outcomes is not an intrinsic design feature of habits but, rather, a function of the cognitive system that controls habitual action tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas B. Eder
- Department of Psychology, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Dignath
- Department of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Gómez-Bujedo J, Domínguez-Salas S, Pérez-Moreno PJ, Moraleda-Barreno E, Lozano OM. Reliability and validity evidence of a new interpretation bias task in patients diagnosed with drug use disorder: a preliminary study of the Word Association Task for Drug Use Disorder (WAT-DUD). THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:365-376. [DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2018.1559848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Gómez-Bujedo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Sara Domínguez-Salas
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Pedro Juan Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Enrique Moraleda-Barreno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Oscar M. Lozano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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20
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Batschelet HM, Stein M, Tschuemperlin RM, Soravia LM, Moggi F. Alcohol-Specific Computerized Interventions to Alter Cognitive Biases: A Systematic Review of Effects on Experimental Tasks, Drinking Behavior, and Neuronal Activation. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:871. [PMID: 31998146 PMCID: PMC6970199 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In patients with alcohol use disorder, novel interventions to increase abstinence have attracted growing attention. Interventions aimed at modifying cognitive biases linked to alcohol use [i.e. cognitive bias modification (CBM)] may serve as an add-on to standard therapy. This systematic review thoroughly aggregates existing data on the effects of three alcohol-specific computerized interventions, namely attentional bias modification (AtBM), approach bias modification (ApBM), and inhibition training (IT). In doing so, each CBM's effects on experimental tasks assessing the relevant biases, drinking behavior, and neurophysiology are summarized. Also, the influence of drinking behavior severity and motivation to change drinking behavior are discussed. Methods: A literature search was conducted in four databases for original research articles published between 2000 and May 2019. Studies were eligible if investigating the effects of alcohol-specific computerized interventions (AtBM, ApBM, IT) on drinking behavior, bias change, and/or neurophysiology. Forty eligible articles were classified as being either a non-clinical experimental lab study (ELS) or clinical randomized-controlled trial (RCT) and summarized. Results: While AtBM seems to influence attentional bias, its effects on drinking behavior are inconsistent. As for ApBM, the best effects on drinking behavior are obtained in clinical samples. Effects of ApBM on approach bias are mixed. Interestingly, those clinical RCTs which investigated ApBM effects on bias change as well as on drinking outcome, reported consistent effects in both measures (i.e. either effects on bias and drinking or no effects). Studies on IT are limited to non-clinical samples and show inconsistent effects on drinking behavior. Considering ITs effects on implicit semantic associations, most studies do not support the conceptualization of IT as a form of memory bias modification, while reports on IT's effects on inhibitory control are still incomplete. Conclusions about the overall influence of drinking behavior severity are hampered by the non-uniform use of sample descriptions. Conclusions: In clinical samples, ApBM has shown more consistent beneficial effects, while evidence on AtBM is more inconsistent, and data on IT still lacks important information. Conclusions about the influence of drinking behavior severity would be facilitated by a uniform use of clearly defined sample descriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallie M Batschelet
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Division of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Stein
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Division of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Raphaela M Tschuemperlin
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Division of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Clinic Suedhang, Center for Treatment of Addictive Disorders, Kirchlindach, Switzerland
| | - Leila M Soravia
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Division of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Clinic Suedhang, Center for Treatment of Addictive Disorders, Kirchlindach, Switzerland
| | - Franz Moggi
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Division of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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21
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Naish KR, Vedelago L, MacKillop J, Amlung M. Effects of neuromodulation on cognitive performance in individuals exhibiting addictive behaviors: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:338-351. [PMID: 30317162 PMCID: PMC8995136 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques as treatments for addictive disorders. While multiple reviews have examined the effects of neuromodulation on craving and consumption, there has been no review of how neuromodulation affects cognitive functioning in addiction. This systematic review examined studies of the cognitive effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in individuals exhibiting addictive behavior. METHODS Articles were identified through searches in PubMed and PsycINFO conducted in October 2017. Eligible studies investigated the effects of tDCS or TMS on cognitive task performance in participants reporting substance use (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, or drugs) or addictive behaviors (e.g., gambling). Tasks were organized into five domains: (1) Inhibitory control, (2) Risk-taking, (3) Impulsive choice (delay discounting), (4) Executive function, and (5) Implicit biases. RESULTS Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven percent of studies used tDCS and 43% used TMS, with nearly all studies (96%) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Ten studies reported significant within-subject modulation of cognitive functioning associated with active TMS or tDCS, with the same number reporting no change in cognitive performance. Of four studies that included both an experimental and control participant group, three showed between-group differences in the effects of neuromodulation. CONCLUSIONS While positive effects in several studies suggest that tDCS and TMS improve cognitive functioning in addiction, there is substantial heterogeneity across studies. We discuss person-related and methodological factors that could explain inconsistencies, and propose individualized stimulation protocols may sharpen the cognitive effects of neuromodulation in addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Naish
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 3R2, Canada
| | - Lana Vedelago
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 3R2, Canada.
| | - James MacKillop
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 3R2, Canada.
| | - Michael Amlung
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 3R2, Canada.
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22
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Seabrooke T, Wills AJ, Hogarth L, Mitchell CJ. Automaticity and cognitive control: Effects of cognitive load on cue-controlled reward choice. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2018; 72:1507-1521. [DOI: 10.1177/1747021818797052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The extent to which human outcome–response (O-R) priming effects are automatic or under cognitive control is currently unclear. Two experiments tested the effect of cognitive load on O-R priming to shed further light on the debate. In Experiment 1, two instrumental responses earned beer and chocolate points in an instrumental training phase. Instrumental response choice was then tested in the presence of beer, chocolate, and neutral stimuli. On test, a Reversal instruction group was told that the stimuli signalled which response would not be rewarded. The transfer test was also conducted under either minimal (No Load) or considerable (Load) cognitive load. The Non-Reversal groups showed O-R priming effects, where the reward cues increased the instrumental responses that had previously produced those outcomes, relative to the neutral stimulus. This effect was observed even under cognitive load. The Reversal No Load group demonstrated a reversed effect, where response choice was biased towards the response that was most likely to be rewarded according to the instruction. Most importantly, response choice was at chance in the Reversal Load condition. In Experiment 2, cognitive load abolished the sensitivity to outcome devaluation that was otherwise seen when multiple outcomes and responses were cued on test. Collectively, the results demonstrate that complex O-R priming effects are sensitive to cognitive load, whereas the very simple, standard O-R priming effect is more robust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andy J Wills
- School of Psychology, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | - Lee Hogarth
- School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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23
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Jünger E, Javadi AH, Wiers CE, Sommer C, Garbusow M, Bernhardt N, Kuitunen-Paul S, Smolka MN, Zimmermann US. Acute alcohol effects on explicit and implicit motivation to drink alcohol in socially drinking adolescents. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:893-905. [PMID: 28675116 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117691454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-related cues can evoke explicit and implicit motivation to drink alcohol. Concerning the links between explicit and implicit motivation, there are mixed findings. Therefore, we investigated both concepts in 51 healthy 18- to 19-year-old males, who are less affected by neuropsychological deficits in decision-making that are attributed to previous alcohol exposure than older participants. In a randomized crossover design, adolescents were infused with either alcohol or placebo. Self-ratings of alcohol desire, thirst, well-being and alcohol effects comprised our explicit measures of motivation. To measure implicit motivation, we used money and drink stimuli in a Pavlovian conditioning (Pc) task and an Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). Alcohol administration increased explicit motivation to drink alcohol, reduced Pc choices of alcoholic drink-conditioned stimuli, but had no effect on the AAT. This combination of results might be explained by differences between goal-directed and habitual behavior or a temporary reduction in rewarding outcome expectancies. Further, there was no association between our measures of motivation to drink alcohol, indicating that both self-reported motivation to drink and implicit approach tendencies may independently contribute to adolescents' actual alcohol intake. Correlations between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores and our measures of motivation to drink alcohol suggest that interventions should target high-risk adolescents after alcohol intake. Clinical trials: Project 4: Acute Effects of Alcohol on Learning and Habitization in Healthy Young Adults (LeAD_P4); NCT01858818; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01858818.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Jünger
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Corinde E Wiers
- 3 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christian Sommer
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Garbusow
- 4 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Bernhardt
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sören Kuitunen-Paul
- 5 Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Zimmermann
- 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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24
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Di Lemma LCG, Field M. Cue avoidance training and inhibitory control training for the reduction of alcohol consumption: a comparison of effectiveness and investigation of their mechanisms of action. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2489-2498. [PMID: 28551714 PMCID: PMC5537323 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Both cue avoidance training (CAT) and inhibitory control training (ICT) reduce alcohol consumption in the laboratory. However, these interventions have never been directly compared and their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES We compared the effects of both types of training on alcohol consumption and investigated if they led to theoretically predicted changes in alcohol avoidance (CAT) or alcohol inhibition (ICT) associations and changes in evaluation of alcohol cues. METHODS Heavy drinking young adults (N = 120) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) CAT (repeatedly pushing alcohol cues away with a joystick), (2) sham (control) CAT; (3) ICT (repeatedly inhibiting behaviour in response to alcohol cues); or (4) sham (control) ICT. Changes in reaction times and automatic evaluations of alcohol cues were assessed before and after training using assessment versions of tasks used in training and the implicit association test (IAT), respectively. Finally, participants completed a bogus taste test as a measure of ad libitum alcohol consumption. RESULTS Compared to sham conditions, CAT and ICT both led to reduced alcohol consumption although there was no difference between the two. Neither intervention affected performance on the IAT, and changes in reaction time did not suggest the formation of robust alcohol avoidance (CAT) or alcohol inhibition (ICT) associations after training. CONCLUSIONS CAT and ICT yielded equivalent reductions in alcohol consumption in the laboratory. However, these behavioural effects were not accompanied by devaluation of stimuli or the formation of alcohol avoidance or alcohol inhibition associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C G Di Lemma
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK.
- The UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZA, Liverpool, UK
- The UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, UK
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25
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Garbusow M, Schad DJ, Sebold M, Friedel E, Bernhardt N, Koch SP, Steinacher B, Kathmann N, Geurts DEM, Sommer C, Müller DK, Nebe S, Paul S, Wittchen HU, Zimmermann US, Walter H, Smolka MN, Sterzer P, Rapp MA, Huys QJM, Schlagenhauf F, Heinz A. Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer effects in the nucleus accumbens relate to relapse in alcohol dependence. Addict Biol 2016; 21:719-31. [PMID: 25828702 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In detoxified alcohol-dependent patients, alcohol-related stimuli can promote relapse. However, to date, the mechanisms by which contextual stimuli promote relapse have not been elucidated in detail. One hypothesis is that such contextual stimuli directly stimulate the motivation to drink via associated brain regions like the ventral striatum and thus promote alcohol seeking, intake and relapse. Pavlovian-to-Instrumental-Transfer (PIT) may be one of those behavioral phenomena contributing to relapse, capturing how Pavlovian conditioned (contextual) cues determine instrumental behavior (e.g. alcohol seeking and intake). We used a PIT paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the effects of classically conditioned Pavlovian stimuli on instrumental choices in n = 31 detoxified patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence and n = 24 healthy controls matched for age and gender. Patients were followed up over a period of 3 months. We observed that (1) there was a significant behavioral PIT effect for all participants, which was significantly more pronounced in alcohol-dependent patients; (2) PIT was significantly associated with blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in subsequent relapsers only; and (3) PIT-related NAcc activation was associated with, and predictive of, critical outcomes (amount of alcohol intake and relapse during a 3 months follow-up period) in alcohol-dependent patients. These observations show for the first time that PIT-related BOLD signals, as a measure of the influence of Pavlovian cues on instrumental behavior, predict alcohol intake and relapse in alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Garbusow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Daniel J. Schad
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Miriam Sebold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Eva Friedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Nadine Bernhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
- Neuroimaging Center; Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Stefan P. Koch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Bruno Steinacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Geriatric Psychiatry; Vivantes Wenckebach-Klinikum; Germany
| | - Norbert Kathmann
- Department of Psychology; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Germany
| | - Dirk E. M. Geurts
- Radboud University; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center; Department of Psychiatry; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Christian Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
| | - Dirk K. Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
- Neuroimaging Center; Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Stephan Nebe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
- Neuroimaging Center; Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Sören Paul
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
| | - Ulrich S. Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Michael N. Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Technische Universität Dresden; Germany
- Neuroimaging Center; Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Philipp Sterzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
| | - Michael A. Rapp
- Social and Preventive Medicine, Area of Excellence Cognitive Sciences; University of Potsdam; Germany
| | - Quentin J. M. Huys
- Centre for Addiction Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry; University of Zürich; Switzerland
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering; University of Zurich and ETH Zurich; Switzerland
| | - Florian Schlagenhauf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
- Max Planck Fellow Group ‘Cognitive and Affective Control of Behavioral Adaptation’; Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Leipzig Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte; Germany
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Carpenter KM, Bedi G, Vadhan NP. Understanding and shifting drug-related decisions: contributions of automatic decision-making processes. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2015; 17:607. [PMID: 26084667 PMCID: PMC4684598 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-015-0607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
While substance use is common, only a minority of individuals who use drugs or alcohol develop problematic use. An understanding of the factors underlying the transition from substance use to misuse may improve prevention and intervention efforts. A key feature of substance misuse is ongoing decisions to use drugs or alcohol despite escalating negative consequences. Research findings highlight the importance of both relatively automatic, associative cognitive processes and relatively controlled, deliberative, and rational-analytic cognitive processes, for understanding situational decisions to use drugs. In this review, we discuss several cognitive component processes that may contribute to decision-making that promotes substance use and misuse, with a focus on more automatic processes. A growing body of evidence indicates that relative differences in the strength of these component processes can account for individual differences in the transition from substance use to misuse and may offer important avenues for developing novel intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth M. Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, Center for Motivation and Change, Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, MC 120, NY, NY, 10032, ph: 646-774-8176
| | - Gillinder Bedi
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, MC 120, NY, NY, 10032, ph: 646 774 6133
| | - Nehal P. Vadhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Health Sciences Tower 10-040K, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8101, ph: 631-638-1543
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Cousijn J, van Benthem P, van der Schee E, Spijkerman R. Motivational and control mechanisms underlying adolescent cannabis use disorders: A prospective study. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2015; 16:36-45. [PMID: 25922296 PMCID: PMC6989823 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescents with a CUD had an attentional but no approach bias towards cannabis. Cannabis craving significantly predicted cannabis use 6 months later. These findings identify craving as a predictor of treatment outcome. This study is among the first to investigate neuropsychological mechanisms underlying adolescent CUDs.
Cannabis use disorders (CUDs) are the most prevalent substance use disorders among adolescents in treatment. Yet, little is known about the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying adolescent CUDs. Studies in adult cannabis users suggest a significant role for cognitive control and cannabis-oriented motivational processes, such as attentional bias, approach bias, and craving in CUDs. The current 6-month prospective study investigated the relationships between attentional bias, approach bias, craving, cognitive control, and cannabis use in adolescent patients in treatment for a primary or secondary CUD. Moreover, we investigated if these motivational processes and cognitive control could predict treatment progression after 6 months. Adolescents with a CUD had an attentional but no approach bias towards cannabis. In contrast to adult findings on the role of attentional bias, approach bias and cognitive control, only cannabis craving significantly correlated with current cannabis use and predicted cannabis use-related problems and abstinence from cannabis 6 months later. These findings identify craving as a predictor of treatment outcome, thereby supporting an important role for craving in the course of adolescent cannabis use and dependence. This prospective study is among the first to investigate neuropsychological mechanisms underlying adolescent CUDs, warranting future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Cousijn
- Consortium Individual Development, Departments of Developmental and Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; ADAPT-lab, Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Patty van Benthem
- Parnassia Addiction Research Center (PARC), Brijder Addiction Care, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien van der Schee
- Parnassia Addiction Research Center (PARC), Brijder Addiction Care, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Spijkerman
- Parnassia Addiction Research Center (PARC), Brijder Addiction Care, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Baker S, Dickson JM, Field M. Implicit priming of conflicting motivational orientations in heavy drinkers. BMC Psychol 2014. [DOI: 10.1186/s40359-014-0028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Cousijn J, Luijten M, Wiers RW. Mechanisms underlying alcohol-approach action tendencies: the role of emotional primes and drinking motives. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:44. [PMID: 24834057 PMCID: PMC4018525 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The tendency to approach alcohol-related stimuli is known as the alcohol-approach bias and has been related to heavy alcohol use. It is currently unknown whether the alcohol-approach bias is more pronounced after emotional priming. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether positive and negative emotional primes would modulate the alcohol-approach bias. For this purpose, a new contextual emotional prime-approach avoidance task was developed, containing both negative and positive emotional primes. Explicit coping drinking motives were expected to be related to an increased alcohol-approach bias after negative primes. Results of 65 heavy and 50 occasional drinkers showed that the alcohol-approach bias was increased in both groups during negative emotional priming. This appeared to be due to slower alcohol avoidance rather than faster alcohol approach. This change in alcohol-approach bias was positively related to explicit enhancement drinking motives and negatively related to alcohol use-related problems. A stronger alcohol-approach bias in heavy compared to occasional drinkers could not be replicated here, and coping drinking motives were not related to the alcohol-approach bias in any of the emotional contexts. The current findings suggest that both occasional and heavy drinkers have a selective difficulty to avoid alcohol-related cues in a negative emotional context. Negative reinforcement may therefore be involved in different types of drinking patterns. The influence of emotional primes on alcohol-related action tendencies may become smaller when alcohol use becomes more problematic, which is in line with habit accounts of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Cousijn
- ADAPT-Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Developmental and Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maartje Luijten
- Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Reinout W. Wiers
- ADAPT-Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Martinovic J, Jones A, Christiansen P, Rose AK, Hogarth L, Field M. Electrophysiological responses to alcohol cues are not associated with Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer in social drinkers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94605. [PMID: 24732090 PMCID: PMC3986108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pavlovian to Instrumental Transfer (PIT) refers to the behavioral phenomenon of increased instrumental responding for a reinforcer when in the presence of Pavlovian conditioned stimuli that were separately paired with that reinforcer. PIT effects may play an important role in substance use disorders, but little is known about the brain mechanisms that underlie these effects in alcohol consumers. We report behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) data from a group of social drinkers (n = 31) who performed a PIT task in which they chose between two instrumental responses in pursuit of beer and chocolate reinforcers while their EEG reactivity to beer, chocolate and neutral pictorial cues was recorded. We examined two markers of the motivational salience of the pictures: the P300 and slow wave event-related potentials (ERPs). Results demonstrated a behavioral PIT effect: responding for beer was increased when a beer picture was presented. Analyses of ERP amplitudes demonstrated significantly larger slow potentials evoked by beer cues at various electrode clusters. Contrary to hypotheses, there were no significant correlations between behavioral PIT effects, electrophysiological reactivity to the cues, and individual differences in drinking behaviour. Our findings are the first to demonstrate a PIT effect for beer, accompanied by increased slow potentials in response to beer cues, in social drinkers. The lack of relationship between behavioral and EEG measures, and between these measures and individual differences in drinking behaviour may be attributed to methodological features of the PIT task and to characteristics of our sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Martinovic
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Jones
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Christiansen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail K. Rose
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Hogarth
- School of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Field
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Sharbanee JM, Hu L, Stritzke WGK, Wiers RW, Rinck M, MacLeod C. The effect of approach/avoidance training on alcohol consumption is mediated by change in alcohol action tendency. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85855. [PMID: 24465750 PMCID: PMC3899082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Training people to respond to alcohol images by making avoidance joystick movements can affect subsequent alcohol consumption, and has shown initial efficacy as a treatment adjunct. However, the mechanisms that underlie the training’s efficacy are unknown. The present study aimed to determine 1) whether the training’s effect is mediated by a change in action tendency or a change in selective attention, and 2) whether the training’s effect is moderated by individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC). Three groups of social drinkers (total N = 74) completed either approach-alcohol training, avoid-alcohol training or a sham-training on the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). Participants’ WMC was assessed prior to training, while their alcohol-related action tendency and selective attention were assessed before and after the training on the recently developed Selective-Attention/Action Tendency Task (SA/ATT), before finally completing an alcohol taste-test. There was no significant main effect of approach/avoidance training on alcohol consumption during the taste-test. However, there was a significant indirect effect of training on alcohol consumption mediated by a change in action tendency, but no indirect effect mediated by a change in selective attention. There was inconsistent evidence of WMC moderating training efficacy, with moderation found only for the effect of approach-alcohol training on the AAT but not on the SA/ATT. Thus approach/avoidance training affects alcohol consumption specifically by changing the underlying action tendency. Multiple training sessions may be required in order to observe more substantive changes in drinking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Sharbanee
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- * E-mail: .
| | - Litje Hu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Werner G. K. Stritzke
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Reinout W. Wiers
- Addiction, Development, and Psychopathology (Adapt) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Rinck
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Colin MacLeod
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Preparing to approach or avoid alcohol: EEG correlates, and acute alcohol effects. Neurosci Lett 2014; 559:199-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sharbanee JM, Stritzke WGK, Wiers RW, MacLeod C. Alcohol-related biases in selective attention and action tendency make distinct contributions to dysregulated drinking behaviour. Addiction 2013; 108:1758-66. [PMID: 23692442 DOI: 10.1111/add.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess whether alcohol-related biases in selective-attention and action tendency uniquely or concurrently predict the ability to regulate alcohol consumption. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Two groups of undergraduate social drinkers (total n = 55) who differed in their ability to regulate their alcohol consumption completed a novel Selective-Attention/Action-Tendency Task (SA/ATT), which assessed separately alcohol-related biases in selective attention and action tendency. SETTING University of Western Australia, Australia. MEASUREMENT Dysregulated drinking was operationalized as a self-reported high level of alcohol consumption on the Alcohol Consumption Questionnaire, and a high desire to reduce consumption on the Brief Readiness to Change Algorithm. Selective attention and action tendency were assessed using the SA/ATT, working memory was assessed using the operation-span task and participant characteristics were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES). FINDINGS Results indicated that (i) there was no significant association between alcohol-related biases in selective attention and action tendency, r = 0.16, P = 0.274, and (ii) biases towards alcohol, in both selective attention, β = 1.01, odds ratio = 2.74, P = 0.022, and action tendency, β = 1.24, odds ratio = 3.45, P = 0.015, predicted independent variance in dysregulated-drinker status. CONCLUSION Biases in selective attention and action tendency appear to be distinct mechanisms that contribute independently to difficulty regulating alcohol consumption. Treatment components that could be combined to target both mechanisms could enhance treatment outcomes for alcohol-use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Sharbanee
- Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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Wenke D, Fischer R. Anticipation and the control of voluntary action. Front Psychol 2013; 4:341. [PMID: 23785348 PMCID: PMC3682156 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Wenke
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin, Germany
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35
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Wiers RW, Gladwin TE, Rinck M. Should we train alcohol-dependent patients to avoid alcohol? Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:33. [PMID: 23734131 PMCID: PMC3660696 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reinout W Wiers
- Addiction, Development, and Psychopathology (Adapt)-lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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