Impact of a computerized distress intolerance intervention on electrocortical reactivity to cannabis and threat cues: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Given increasing rates of daily cannabis use and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in the United States, it is imperative to understand CUD mechanisms in high-risk groups. Cannabis users with high distress intolerance (DI) are at elevated risk for severe and chronic CUD, but neural mechanisms linking CUD and DI are unknown. Cross-sectional data suggests that acute stress modulation of the cannabis and threat cue-elicited late positive potential (LPP), a neurophysiological marker of motivated attention, are possible mechanisms. However, longitudinal research is needed to clarify the roles of these elicited LPPs in CUD maintenance.

Method

Sixty cannabis users with high DI were randomized a brief computerized intervention targeting DI or a control intervention. Elicited LPPs were measured before and after a stressor at baseline and postintervention. Intervention effects on stress modulation of the cannabis and threat LPPs, as well as their prospective associations with CUD, were assessed.

Results

Elicited LPPs did not significantly change in either intervention group. Acute stress enhancement of the cannabis LPP predicted more severe CUD and greater chronicity at 4-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Cannabis and threat LPPs were not altered by a brief DI intervention despite improvement in DI and cannabis use outcomes. Given that acute stress enhancement of the cannabis LPP predicted poorer CUD outcome, it may be a fruitful intervention target in distress intolerant cannabis users. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

SUBMITTER: Macatee RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9357238 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature