Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

Effects of the appetite-inducing hormone ghrelin on decision making in healthy volunteers

This research is investigating how a hormone in our bodies, called ghrelin, affects the decisions healthy people make. Ghrelin usually makes us feel hungry, but scientists think it might also play a role in how we make choices, sometimes risky ones. In this study, volunteers will receive either a dose of ghrelin or a dummy treatment (like a saltwater drip). Researchers will then ask them to complete some tasks that involve making choices, similar to games. The main goal is to see if ghrelin changes how many times people participate in a 'slot machine' style game. This study, known as a Phase II trial, aims to explore new ways of understanding and potentially treating conditions like gambling disorder by looking at how brain hormones influence behaviour.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Linkopings Universitet

Enrolment target

Start

21 Oct 2024

Gambling disorder

What is this study about?

This study is exploring something quite interesting: how a natural hormone in your body, called ghrelin, might influence the decisions you make. Ghrelin is well-known for making us feel hungry, but there's a growing idea that it also plays a part in other brain functions, including how we choose between different options, especially when those choices involve some level of risk or reward, like in games.

Researchers want to see if giving someone ghrelin (or a dummy treatment that won't have any effect) changes how they approach tasks that involve making decisions. For example, they might ask you to play a simple computer game that mimics a slot machine. The number of times you choose to play or gamble in these tasks will help researchers understand if ghrelin has an impact on these kinds of choices. This isn't about teaching you to gamble, but rather a way to observe decision-making in a controlled setting.

The ultimate goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of conditions where people struggle with decision-making, such as gambling disorder. By learning more about how ghrelin affects healthy individuals, scientists hope to uncover new insights that could one day lead to better ways to help people who are affected by these challenging conditions.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how the hunger hormone ghrelin affects decision-making.
It's open to healthy adults aged 18 and over, both men and women.
Participants will receive ghrelin or a dummy treatment via a drip and play computer games.
The goal is to understand conditions like gambling disorder better.
Participation involves short clinic visits and no long-term follow-up.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, volunteers need to be at least 18 years old. There's no upper age limit, meaning people of any age over 18 can take part.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this research. The study is open to everyone, regardless of their gender.

The main requirement is that you are a healthy volunteer. This means you shouldn't have any significant ongoing health conditions or be taking medications that might interfere with the study results.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you a healthy adult with no major ongoing health problems?
Are you comfortable receiving a drip into your arm?
Are you able to follow instructions for computer-based tasks?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to come for many separate visits. The main part of the study will involve one or more visits to the research clinic. During these visits, you will receive either the ghrelin hormone or a harmless saltwater drip, given directly into a vein in your arm, similar to a standard hospital drip.

After receiving the treatment, you'll be asked to complete some simple computer-based tasks or games. These tasks are designed to observe how you make decisions. There won't be any long-term follow-up required after your visit(s) to the clinic. The total duration of your participation will likely be just for the day(s) you are at the clinic.

Throughout your time in the study, research staff will be on hand to monitor your well-being and answer any questions you might have.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not offer direct health benefits to you personally, but the information collected could help doctors understand gambling disorder better in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, though small given the substances used. You might experience minor discomfort from the drip, or temporary side effects from ghrelin which will be explained to you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

—
Sweden

Common questions

What is ghrelin?

Ghrelin is a natural hormone made by your stomach that tells your brain when you are hungry. It also might affect how you make choices.

Will taking part help my health?

It's unlikely to directly improve your own health, but the information gathered could help scientists understand gambling disorder better in the future.

What will I have to do in the study?

You'll receive a drip and then play some computer-based 'decision games' to see how you make choices.

Is this a new medicine?

Ghrelin is a natural hormone, and the study is exploring its effects. It's not a new medicine being tested as a treatment yet, but rather to understand how it works.

Can I stop being part of the study if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your future medical care.