Cannabis Use DisorderNCT03624933
Effects of Cannabis Abstinence on Symptoms and Cognition in Depression
A study testing Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session and Contingency Management in people with Cannabis Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, run by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
The objective of this study is to assess the changes in symptoms and cognition that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and Major Depression (MDD). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cannabis Use Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Cognition
- What is being tested?
- Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session and Contingency Management
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 19 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 6 Nov 2017to 30 Dec 2019
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- ages 18-55
- meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder (cannabis use >1 g/day, CUDIT score >12)
- meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder as determined using the SCID
- be an outpatient receiving a stable dose of antidepressant medication(s) for at least 1 month
- have a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) baseline total score greater than 14
- have a Full Scale IQ greater than 80 as determined by the WTAR
Show all 9Show fewer
- be a non-treatment seeking cannabis user
- evidence of sufficient motivation and effort as measure by a Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) score greater than 45
- urinary baseline THC-COOH levels greater than 150 ng/ml
Who cannot join
- meets criteria for abuse or dependence of alcohol or other illicit substances within the part 6 months (with the exception of cannabis, nicotine, or caffeine)
- positive urine screen for illicit substances other than cannabis, nicotine or caffeine
- current suicidal or homicidal ideation
- psychotic disorder diagnosis (e.g. schizoaffective disorder, major depression with psychotic features) as determined by the SCID
- head injury with loss of consciousness greater than 2 minutes or requiring hospitalization
- neurological or medical condition determined to effect cognition
- be treatment seeking for cannabis use
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence on Symptoms and Cognition in Depressed Individuals
The objective of this study is to assess the changes in symptoms and cognition that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and Major Depression (MDD). This study employs a 28-day abstinence paradigm a total of 8 visits to the CAMH Russell site (screening, training, baseline, week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, follow-up). Participants should be between the ages of 18-55, meet criteria for moderate depression and CUD, be non-treatment seeking, and be on a stable dose of antidepressant medication. The study visits will take up a total of approximately 22.5 hours with compensation for time provided. These visits will involve multiple clinical, substance use, and cognitive assessments. Abstinence will be maintained by weekly behavioural coaching sessions and contingency reinforcement.
- Conditions
- Cannabis Use Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Cognition
- Being tested
- Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session, Contingency Management
- Keywords
- Depression, Cognitive Functioning, Cannabis Use Disorder
- Medical subject headings
- Depressive Disorder, Major, Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Weekly Behavioral Coaching SessionBehavioural
The participants will be provided with a 20-minute individual behavioral support session weekly for 4 weeks (28 days of abstinence), designed to provide them with tools and techniques to manage the craving and withdrawal symptoms that occur with cessation.
Contingency ManagementBehavioural
If the participant's weekly abstinence is successful as determined by the urine results on day 28, the participant will receive an additional $300.00 cash bonus on top of their hourly $10 compensation for attending all visits. We predict that this cash bonus is enough incentive to allow for the behavioural change of abstinence in this patient population.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Day Cannabis Abstinence | Experimental | The study will assess the changes that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Patients will be instructed to initiate abstinence 12 hours prior to the baseline session and will come in for weekly visits involving a series of clinical, cognitive, and substance use assessments. Receives: Behavioral: Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session; Behavioral: Contingency Management |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in depressive symptoms in cannabis-dependent patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
The clinical assessment will be administered weekly during the abstinence period and conducted by study personnel. The HRDS is used to evaluate depression on a 17-item scale with higher values indicating worse depressive symptoms.
Measured: Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
Secondary outcomes (2)
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in cognitive function in cannabis dependent patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as assessed by a cognitive battery administered at Baseline, Week 2, Endpoint and Follow-Up.
The cognitive battery will include the primary outcome of verbal memory (assessed by Hopkins Verbal Learning Test) and will be compared to baseline (Day 1) performance. Cortical inhibition will also be assessed and compared.
Measured: Bi-Weekly (Day 0, Day 14, Day 28) and at 8 Weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in co-occurring anxiety in cannabis dependent patients with MDD as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) administered weekly.
The clinical assessment will be administered at Baseline, weekly during the abstinence period and Follow-up and will be conducted by study personnel. The BAI is a 21-item scale used to evaluate the severity of anxiety symptoms with higher values indicating worse outcomes.
Measured: Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2018
- Study start6 Nov 2017
- Primary completion30 Dec 2019
- Study completion30 Dec 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Cannabis Use DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- This is an open label intervention of contingent reinforcement and behavioral support to try to enhance cannabis abstinence for 28 days with people with Major Depressive Disorder. We will analyze data post hoc from this study as a function of subjects who attain abstinence versus those who do not.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Tony George, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Investigators
- Tony George, M.D., FRCPC, Principal investigator, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03624933
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 069/2017
- Status last verified
- Sep 2023
- First submitted
- 25 Jul 2018
- Last updated
- 5 Sep 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Sorkhou M, Rabin RA, Rabin JS, Kloiber S, McIntyre RS, George TP. Effects of 28 days of cannabis abstinence on cognition in major depressive disorder: A pilot study. Am J Addict. 2022 Sep;31(5):454-462. doi: 10.1111/ajad.13305. Epub 2022 Jun 11.
PubMed 35690891
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Sep 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Extended Cannabis Abstinence on Symptoms and Cognition in Depressed Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03624933
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 069/2017
- Conditions
- Cannabis Use Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Cognition
- Keywords
- Depression, Cognitive Functioning, Cannabis Use Disorder
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Nov 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The objective of this study is to assess the changes in symptoms and cognition that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and Major Depression (MDD). This study employs a 28-day abstinence paradigm a total of 8 visits to the CAMH Russell site (screening, training, baseline, week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, follow-up). Participants should be between the ages of 18-55, meet criteria for moderate depression and CUD, be non-treatment seeking, and be on a stable dose of antidepressant medication. The study visits will take up a total of approximately 22.5 hours with compensation for time provided. These visits will involve multiple clinical, substance use, and cognitive assessments. Abstinence will be maintained by weekly behavioural coaching sessions and contingency reinforcement.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- This is an open label intervention of contingent reinforcement and behavioral support to try to enhance cannabis abstinence for 28 days with people with Major Depressive Disorder. We will analyze data post hoc from this study as a function of subjects who attain abstinence versus those who do not.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Day Cannabis Abstinence | Experimental | Behavioral: Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session, Behavioral: Contingency ManagementThe study will assess the changes that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Patients will be instructed to initiate abstinence 12 hours prior to the baseline session and will come in for weekly visits involving a series of clinical, cognitive, and substance use assessments. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- ages 18-55
- meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder (cannabis use >1 g/day, CUDIT score >12)
- meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder as determined using the SCID
- be an outpatient receiving a stable dose of antidepressant medication(s) for at least 1 month
- have a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) baseline total score greater than 14
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- meets criteria for abuse or dependence of alcohol or other illicit substances within the part 6 months (with the exception of cannabis, nicotine, or caffeine)
- positive urine screen for illicit substances other than cannabis, nicotine or caffeine
- current suicidal or homicidal ideation
- psychotic disorder diagnosis (e.g. schizoaffective disorder, major depression with psychotic features) as determined by the SCID
- head injury with loss of consciousness greater than 2 minutes or requiring hospitalization
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Behavioral Coaching SessionThe participants will be provided with a 20-minute individual behavioral support session weekly for 4 weeks (28 days of abstinence), designed to provide them with tools and techniques to manage the craving and withdrawal symptoms that occur with cessation. | Behavioural | 28-Day Cannabis Abstinence |
| Contingency ManagementIf the participant's weekly abstinence is successful as determined by the urine results on day 28, the participant will receive an additional $300.00 cash bonus on top of their hourly $10 compensation for attending all visits. We predict that this cash bonus is enough incentive to allow for the behavioural change of abstinence in this patient population. | Behavioural | 28-Day Cannabis Abstinence |
Primary outcome
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in depressive symptoms in cannabis-dependent patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).
Time frame: Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
The clinical assessment will be administered weekly during the abstinence period and conducted by study personnel. The HRDS is used to evaluate depression on a 17-item scale with higher values indicating worse depressive symptoms.
2 secondary outcomes
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in cognitive function in cannabis dependent patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as assessed by a cognitive battery administered at Baseline, Week 2, Endpoint and Follow-Up.
Time frame: Bi-Weekly (Day 0, Day 14, Day 28) and at 8 Weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in co-occurring anxiety in cannabis dependent patients with MDD as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) administered weekly.
Time frame: Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Sep 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 35690891Sorkhou M, Rabin RA, Rabin JS, Kloiber S, McIntyre RS, George TP. Effects of 28 days of cannabis abstinence on cognition in major depressive disorder: A pilot study. Am J Addict. 2022 Sep;31(5):454-462. doi: 10.1111/ajad.13305. Epub 2022 Jun 11.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Tony George, M.D., FRCPC principal investigator
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Weekly Behavioral Coaching Session and Contingency Management in people with Cannabis Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, run by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Sep 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The effects of 28 day cannabis abstinence on change in depressive symptoms in cannabis-dependent patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). (time frame: Weekly (Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21, Day 28) and at 8 weeks (Follow-up Day 56)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03624933, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Sep 2023; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.