Modulating addiction-related changes to improve cognitive control in AUD using non-invasive brain stimulation (B07)

• Subject Area: Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience ; Biological Psychiatry ; Clinical Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ; Human Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 402170461

In the 1st FP, we investigated differences in the formation and interaction of automatisms/habits and cognitive control in adults with AUD vs. healthy matched controls. To establish a mechanistic understanding, we will use in the 2nd FP complementary non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to modulate functional differences in two cognitive control domains that are known to be compromised in AUD. We will delineate whether TMS-induced effects represent general changes in functionally relevant brain networks, or whether the effect can only be detected in situations with increased cognitive demand. We will further use auricular tVNS to investigate its potentially “normalizing” effect in functionally relevant transmitter systems (GABA and catecholamines).

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 265: Losing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake: From Trajectories to Mechanisms to Interventions
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Beste; Dr. Ann-Kathrin Stock