Risk Factors for Stress-induced Alcohol Misuse: Genetic Predictors and Mediation by Personality Type

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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To examine whether variation in 'risk-taking' personality and linked genetic variants predicts susceptibility to, and resilience against, stress-induced alcohol misuse.

Detailed Description
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Alcohol misuse is a global health issue responsible for over 1 million hospital admissions per annum in the UK with a combined cost of approximately £21 billion. Chronic alcohol misuse in patients who attend hospital for alcohol-related illness/injury is common, with relapse and recidivism almost ubiquitous. Patients often report that 'stress' was a catalyst for their drinking episodes, but we do not know exactly who is most at risk, how stress leads to drinking, or the genetic basis for this risk. This research aims to seek to identify patients at higher risk of stress-induced alcohol misuse, or who are more resilient to stress in this context, using a combination of analyses ranging from genetic variants to personality tests and clinical follow-up. The ultimate goal is that patients engaging with alcohol services can receive personalised and focussed treatment and enhance recovery

Official Title
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Personality and Genotypic Markers That Predict Individual Differences in Susceptibility to Stress-induced Alcohol Misuse: a Feasibility Study.

Conditions
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Alcohol Use, Unspecified

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or Female, aged (min) 18 years Attended Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust following illness/injury related to alcohol use Has a maximum AUDIT score of 15 Is willing and able to comply with study procedures Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. Must be recruited within 24 hrs of ASNS referral, and able to be tested within 48 hours of referral Exclusion Criteria: ny reported/suspected intellectual/learning disabilities (e.g., Down's Syndrome), neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism, Asperger's) or acquired brain injury Has previously participated in this study Should not be under the influence of alcohol during the study (12hrs previous to taking part) - to be determined via breathalyser. Any history of advanced liver disease (clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis, jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites, variceal haemorrhage)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alcohol misuse | Measured using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) (higher the score the worse the outcome) | immediately after the procedure | 
| Recent stressors | Measured using the 30 item Stress Overload Scale questionnaire (higher the score, the worse the outcome) | Immediately after the study visit | 
| Life Events | Measured using the Life Events Checklist Questionnaire (the higher the score the worse the outcome) | Immediately after the study visit | 
| Impulse Behaviour | Measured using the the Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency, Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) higher values indicate more impulsive behavior. | Immediately after the study visit | 
| Risk taking behaviour | Measured by the Stop Signal Reaction Time Task (computer task) which measures the ability to inhibit a planned response | Immediately after the study visit | 
| Molecular Anaylsis | Cheek swabs will be taken from all participant to carry out genomic DNA analysis | Immediately after the study visit |