The Role of the Glutamatergic System in the Extinction of Conditioned Reinforcement Processes

The Role of the Glutamatergic System in the Extinction of Conditioned Reinforcement Processes

The aim of this project is to explore whether the extinction of cue-reactivity following a cue-exposure based intervention in volunteers with an alcohol dependence is facilitated by drugs that increase NMDA-receptor function.

It is hypothesised that targeted treatment with D-Cycloserine prior to each extinction training session enhances the effects on cue-reactivity.

Further, a significant correlation between the reduction of cue-reactivity and both reduced craving and relapse probability is expected.

Inclusion Criteria:

• current DSM-IV/ ICD-10 diagnosis of alcohol dependence
• controlled abstinence for a period of 5 to 21 days following admission to inpatient detoxification or day-clinic care
• women (in childbearing age): use of a highly effective method of contraception
• normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of additional axis I or II disorders (according to DSM-IV( ICD- 10 criteria) either currently or within the past 12 months (except nicotine dependence)
• positive drug screening
• current medication with anti-convulsive or psychotropic drugs
• MRI ineligibility
• sensitivity to study medication as evidenced by a history of adverse drug experience
• severe withdrawal symptoms (e.g. convulsions, delirium)
• disposition towards experiencing convulsions/ epilepsy
• history of schizophrenic disorders/ affective psychosis
• neurological diseases that might affect the dopaminergic, limbic and frontal cortices or extrapyramidal motor functioning
• major diseases (e.g. diabetes, liver cirrhosis, heart disease)
• physical illness interfering with study procedures or affecting study outcomes
• pregnancy (positive test results)/ lactation period
• suicidal tendencies/ increased risk that others might be harmed -