NCT05838274 · University of Texas at Austin
Acute Alcohol Response In Bipolar Disorder: a Longitudinal Alcohol Administration/fMRI Study
(Long_BACS)
What this study is about
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) affect up to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder during their lifetime and is associated with worse illness outcomes, yet few studies have been performed to clarify the causes of this comorbidity.
View original scientific description
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) affect up to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder during their lifetime and is associated with worse illness outcomes, yet few studies have been performed to clarify the causes of this comorbidity. Understanding biological risk factors that associate with and predict the development of AUDs in bipolar disorder could inform interventions and prevention efforts to reduce the rate of this comorbidity and improve outcomes of both disorders. Identifying predictors of risk requires longitudinal studies in bipolar disorder aimed at capturing the mechanisms leading to the emergence of AUDs. Previous work in AUDs suggest that subjective responses to alcohol and stress-related mechanisms may contribute to the development of AUDs. In bipolar disorder, altered developmental trajectory of critical ventral prefrontal networks that modulate mood and reward processing may alter responses to alcohol and stressors; consequently, the disruption in typical neurodevelopment may be an underlying factor for the high rates of comorbidity. No longitudinal data exist investigating if this developmental hypothesis is correct. To address this gap, the investigators will use a multimodal neuroimaging approach, modeling structural and functional neural trajectories of corticolimbic networks over young adulthood, incorporating alcohol administration procedures, clinical phenotyping, and investigating effects of acute stress exposure and early life stress. Research aims are to identify biological risk factors-i.e., changes in subjective response to alcohol and associated neural trajectories-that are associated with the development of alcohol misuse and symptoms of AUDs over a two-year longitudinal period in young adults with bipolar disorder and typical developing young adults. Longitudinal data will be collected on 160 young adults (50% with bipolar disorder, 50% female; aged 21-26). This study is a natural extension of the PI's K01 award. How acute exposure to stress and childhood maltreatment affects subjective response to alcohol and risk for prospective alcohol misuse and symptoms of AUDs will be investigated. The investigators will test our hypothesis that developmental differences in bipolar disorder versus typical developing individuals disrupt corticolimbic networks during young adulthood, increase sensitivity to stress, and lead to changes in subjective response to alcohol and placebo response increasing risk for developing AUDs.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- between 21 and 26 years of age
- having consumed at least 4 (men) or 3 (women) drinks on a single occasion over the last year
- euthymic at the time of enrollment Inclusion criteria for bipolar disorder participants: \- Meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 Research Version (DSM-V-RV) diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, confirmed by structured interview
Exclusion criteria
- For all subjects exclusion criteria include:
- history of significant medical illness, particularly if possible changes in cerebral tissue
- neurologic abnormality including significant head trauma (loss of consciousness of ≥5-min)
- full Scale intelligence quotient (IQ) \<85
- contraindication to MRI scanning
- positive pregnancy test
- current cannabis use disorder\>moderate
- history of severe AUDs
- scores \> 15 on the alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; part of phone screen)
- ever being in an abstinence-oriented treatment program for alcohol use
- reporting wanting to quit drinking but not being able to
- any medical, religious, or other reasons for not drinking alcohol
- history of heart attack, heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease
- an adverse reaction to alcoholic beverages
- reporting never consuming 4 (men) or 3 (women) or more drinks on a single occasion over the last year
- unwillingness to have a friend or family member drive them home after the alcohol administration sessions
- a past year substance use disorder (other than alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine) Additional exclusion criteria for bipolar disorder participants: \- not taking medications for greater than or equal to 4 weeks (i.e. participants must be stable on medications) Additional exclusion criteria for healthy comparison subjects also include:
- any prior psychiatric hospitalizations
- lifetime history of a neurodevelopmental disorder, affective disorder, psychotic disorder, eating disorder
- greater than 1 month of lifetime psychotropic medication.
Where
- Austin, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
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Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations