Brain imaging and smoking cessation

Brain imaging and smoking cessation

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether patterns of brain activity following a brief period of nicotine abstinence predict a relapse in smoking behavior during attempts to quit smoking.

Detailed description of study

Overall, this study involves completing 10 in person visits to our center in University City (Philadelphia), as well as one brief telephone survey. The first three visits occur during the Pre-Quit Period. First, you will attend an intake visit. The next 2 visits involve completing an fMRI brain scan. fMRI stands for functional magnetic resonance imaging. It is a noninvasive and painless procedure and unlike a regular MRI, there is no injection for the scan. These scans will be performed in a traditional MRI scanner, which looks like a large tube that is open at both ends. The procedures for both scanning sessions are identical except that for one scanning session you will be smoking as usual and prior to the other scanning session you will not be permitted to smoke for a period of 24 hours. During the scans you will be asked to lie flat inside the scanner from the waist upwards for approximately one hour while the scanner takes pictures of your brain as you complete a series of computer tasks. The week after your 2nd fMRI scan you will begin the Quit-Smoking Period of the study. This phase of the study will include six center visits during which you will complete questionnaires and receive smoking cessation counseling. At the end of your participation in the study you may also be contacted to complete a 10-15 minute telephone survey. The entire study will take approximately 8 weeks for you to complete.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions:
    Smoking, smoking cessation
  • Age: Between 1 Years - 100 Years
  • Gender: All
Updated on 14 Jul 2023. Study ID: 824061

Interested in the study

Select a study center that’s convenient for you, and get in touch with the study team.

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