Clinical Trials & Projects

MRI Studies of Emotion, Addiction and Impulse Control Disorders (HIC# 0203014534)

The laboratory uses a variety of neurocognitive tasks that have been adapted for the fMRI environment in order to closely examine brain regions involved in the processing of reward, emotion and motivation. These tasks focus on cognitive control, responses to rewards and punishments, as well as impulsive choice and risk-taking. The results of these studies have implications for understanding the biological underpinnings of a range of disorders of motivation; further, the administration of these tasks in a variety of populations with substance dependence and non-substance addictions will allow for direct comparisons between different disorders.

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Investigation of Naltrexone for Pathological Gambling (HIC# 0901004667)

This study seeks to replicate and extend the promising findings from previous clinical trials of opioid antagonists in the treatment of pathological gambling (PG). Specifically, we are investigating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the opioid antagonist naltrexone in PG in conjunction with treatment as usual in a state-supported treatment program. Opioid antagonists such as naltrexone and nalmefene, possibly through their modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system, have demonstrated preliminary efficacy in treating PG. As with substance use disorders, it has been suggested that opioid antagonists may exert their therapeutic benefit by helping to reduce the appetitive urges or cravings present in addictions. We hypothesize that naltrexone will be superior to placebo in reducing gambling urges and behavior, when combined with non-pharmacological treatment as usual.

Neuropsychological Testing in Pathological Gambling (HIC# 11937)

This study utilizes computerized neuropsychological tests which assess the following cognitive domains: 1) Executive Function; 2) Verbal and Working Memory; and 3) Attention/Concentration.

Association and linkage studies of psychiatric illness(HIC# 5841)

This study investigates how psychiatric disorders are inherited. We are interested in studying how psychiatric disorders occur in families together and also in finding genes that contribute to the development of psychiatric illness, particularly pathological gambling.

Exploratory Center for Interdisciplinary and Translational Research in Addiction (ExCITRA)

The Exploratory Center for Interdisciplinary and Translational Research in Addiction, or ExCITRA, investigates how different aspects of impulsivity (e.g. impulsive choice or impulsive responding) relate to cocaine addiction. Specifically, individuals with cocaine dependence participate in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigations using tasks of choice and response impulsivity to probe the underlying neural correlates as related to cocaine dependence. Participants are also imaged using positron emission tomography (PET) with a D3-preferring dopamine receptor agonist radiotracer, [11C] PHNO to investigate striatal dopamine function.

Through a clinical core, the same participants are evaluated on a broad range of clinical, neurocognitive, and laboratory measures including challenges to assess stimulant effects on choice and response impulsivity and cocaine self-administration. Together, the fMRI and PET projects investigate the relationships between neural and the clinical measures. Altogether, the data from these highly integrated, translational studies will contribute to our understanding of cocaine dependence and help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Yale Gambling CORE (Center of Research Excellence)

The Yale Gambling CORE (Center Of Research Excellence) builds upon existing collaborations and interdisciplinary work in which Dr. Marc Potenza and his research team are involved. The CORE investigates gambling from a dimensional (non-gambling, recreational gambling, problem gambling, pathological gambling) perspective and utilizes a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical, psychopharmacological, brain imaging, genetic, gender-based, longitudinal, developmental and epidemiological considerations and expertise.

The team has appointments in multiple Yale departments (Psychiatry, Child Study Center, Psychology, Epidemiology and Public Health and Diagnostic Radiology) and divisions (Divisions of Substance Abuse, Psychiatric Genetics, and Women’s Health Research) and involves leaders within important state (Connecticut’s Problem Gambling Services (PGS) and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG)) and national treatment and prevention programs (National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)).

The research uses multiple techniques including brain imaging and molecular genetics to investigate factors associated with therapy development and outcome in pathological gambling treatment. The CORE provides a fortified structure for disseminating the findings through peer-reviewed publications, internet-based communications, clinical conferences, outreach and CME events, trainings, and other mechanisms.