A novel imagery script-based retrieval-extinction procedure to prevent nicotine addiction
Poster No:
543
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
Li Yang1, Jiafang Liu1, Junjie Bu1
Institutions:
1Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
Memory retrieval-extinction procedure is a promising paradigm for drug addiction intervention [1]. However, individuals with addiction tend to relapse easily upon returning to real-life settings, and the lack of transferability in the intervention effects may be attributed to the low contextuality of drug cues. Meanwhile, the vivid imagery scripts derived from nicotine addicts' smoking experiences in real life emphasize individual active participation and situational diversity [2]. Consequently, we developed a novel imagery script-based retrieval-extinction paradigm and evaluated its effectiveness on nicotine addiction.
Methods:
The study was conducted by a single-blind randomized clinical trial design (Figure 1). Fifty-seven nicotine addicts were randomly assigned to imagery script-based retrieval-extinction (R-E) group (N=29) and control group (N=28). Each participant individually underwent the construction of smoking and neutral imagery scripts earlier according to Imagery Scripts Builder Manual. Subsequently, these imagery scripts were transformed into audio recordings using a speech synthesis system for the following retrieval-extinction training. During retrieval-extinction training, R-E group underwent 5-min memory retrieval, 10-min delay and 60-min extinction, while control group underwent 5-min no memory retrieval, 10-min delay and 60-min extinction. At retrieval stage, addicts were asked to vividly imagine scenes from smoking imagery scripts in R-E group, but neutral imagery scripts in control group. Imagery scripts cue reactivity task with EEG recording, smoking imagery vividness and cue-induced smoking craving were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, 1-day, 1-week, and 1-month follow-up. Daily cigarette consumption was being recorded at pre-intervention, post-intervention, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up.
Results:
Short-term effects of retrieval-extinction training on smoking imagery vividness and craving
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for smoking imagery vividness scores (F(1,45) = 10.282, p = 0.002; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, post-intervention, 1-day follow-up)(Figure 2a). Also, there was a significant group × time interaction effect for cue-induced smoking craving (F(1,45) = 15.182, p < 0.001)(Figure 2b). Moreover, the significant correlation between smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced smoking craving at pre-intervention (r = 0.581, p = 0.003) was broken at post-intervention and 1-day follow-up in R-E group (Figure 2c).
EEG microstate mechanisms of retrieval-extinction training
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for EEG microstate C duration (F(1,45) = 9.592, p = 0.003; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, post-intervention), with R-E group showing a significant reduction of microstate C duration at post-intervention (Figure 2d). The reduction of microstate C duration being significantly correlated with the reduction of cue-induced smoking craving in R-E group (r = 0.432, p = 0.035)(Figure 2e).
Long-term effects of retrieval-extinction training on smoking behavior
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for daily cigarette consumption (F(5,205) = 6.997, p < 0.001; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month follow-up) (Figure 2f). At 1-week and 1-month follow-up, smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced craving were significantly lower in R-E group than in control group (Figure 2g,h). Moreover, smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced craving were no longer significantly correlated in R-E group (Figure 2i,j).
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for smoking imagery vividness scores (F(1,45) = 10.282, p = 0.002; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, post-intervention, 1-day follow-up)(Figure 2a). Also, there was a significant group × time interaction effect for cue-induced smoking craving (F(1,45) = 15.182, p < 0.001)(Figure 2b). Moreover, the significant correlation between smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced smoking craving at pre-intervention (r = 0.581, p = 0.003) was broken at post-intervention and 1-day follow-up in R-E group (Figure 2c).
EEG microstate mechanisms of retrieval-extinction training
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for EEG microstate C duration (F(1,45) = 9.592, p = 0.003; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, post-intervention), with R-E group showing a significant reduction of microstate C duration at post-intervention (Figure 2d). The reduction of microstate C duration being significantly correlated with the reduction of cue-induced smoking craving in R-E group (r = 0.432, p = 0.035)(Figure 2e).
Long-term effects of retrieval-extinction training on smoking behavior
There was a significant group × time interaction effect for daily cigarette consumption (F(5,205) = 6.997, p < 0.001; group: R-E, control groups; time: pre-intervention, 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month follow-up) (Figure 2f). At 1-week and 1-month follow-up, smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced craving were significantly lower in R-E group than in control group (Figure 2g,h). Moreover, smoking imagery vividness scores and cue-induced craving were no longer significantly correlated in R-E group (Figure 2i,j).
Conclusions:
We developed a novel imagery script-based retrieval-extinction training, which produced short- and long-term effects on smoking craving and smoking behavior. These results suggest that this novel imagery script-based retrieval-extinction intervention is a promising treatment for addiction.
Disorders of the Nervous System:
Psychiatric (eg. Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia) 1
Higher Cognitive Functions:
Imagery
Learning and Memory:
Learning and Memory Other 2
Keywords:
Addictions
Electroencephaolography (EEG)
Memory
Treatment
Other - Retrieval-Extinction
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
Provide references using author date format
[2] Buff, C. (2018), 'Directed threat imagery in generalized anxiety disorder', Psychological Medicine, vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 617-628