Rodney, L.;
(2010)
Effects of D-cycloserine on extinction of alcohol cue-reactivity and impulsivity in heavy social drinkers.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
Abstract
The focus of this thesis is on the use of a pharmacological agent to facilitate the extinction of alcohol-related cue reactivity using Cue Exposure (CE). The literature review (Paper 1) focuses on the psychological method and reviews 13 studies that use prolonged CE and measure its effect on self-reported, physiological and behavioural reactivity to alcohol cues. The studies varied in methodologies and findings, but there is evidence to suggest that CE procedures can reduce the reactivity in response to alcohol-cues on self-report and physiological measures. This paper also suggests important parameters for consideration of future research in this area, as well as identifying areas that could confound results. The review pointed towards the importance of determining how CE acts as an adjunct to existing therapies and improving the procedure to maximise these aspects. The empirical paper (Paper 2) directly investigates the effect of cue-exposure on physiological reactivity to alcohol cues. The study described uses a placebo-controlled comparison to investigate the effects of DCS in conjunction with prolonged CE on the extinction of cue-reactivity. In addition, the study explores the impact of DCS and CE on performance on a measure of impulsivity seen to be implicated in alcohol-dependence. The critical appraisal (Paper 3) reflects on my experiences of conducting the research presented in Paper 2. This thesis forms part of a joint project and represents a collaborative effort in protocol design and testing of participants with Rachel Massey-Chase. The other project is reported under the title: the effect of DCS on extinction of alcohol-craving ratings and attentional bias to alcohol cues.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Effects of D-cycloserine on extinction of alcohol cue-reactivity and impulsivity in heavy social drinkers |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Thesis in two volumes: volume 2 is restricted |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/854980 |
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