Process-Based Psychological Processes in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Case-Control Study Using PBAT, PHQ-9, and GAD-7

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07551830

Acronym

PBAT Addiction

Enrollment

200

Registered

2026-04-27

Start date

2026-10-01

Completion date

2028-06-01

Last updated

2026-09-11

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Keywords

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Process-Based Assessment Tool (PBAT), depression, anxiety

Brief summary

This observational study investigates differences in psychological processes and emotional symptoms between individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and a non-clinical control group. PBAT, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 will be used. MANCOVA will test group differences controlling for demographics.

Detailed description

The present study is grounded in the process-based approach to psychopathology, which emphasizes the identification and modification of core psychological processes underlying mental disorders, rather than focusing exclusively on categorical diagnoses. A central theoretical framework guiding this approach is the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model (EEMM), which conceptualizes psychological functioning and psychopathology through evolutionary principles: * Variation - the ability to generate flexible and adaptive behavioral responses * Selection - the capacity to choose behaviors aligned with personal goals and contextual demands * Retention - the maintenance and consolidation of adaptive behaviors over time * Context - sensitivity to environmental and situational factors influencing behavior According to this model, psychopathology (including Alcohol Use Disorder) is characterized by psychological inflexibility, maladaptive behavioral selection, and poor retention of functional strategies, often in interaction with contextual insensitivity. These processes operate across multiple domains, including affect, cognition, attention, motivation, self, and overt behavior.

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

CASE_CONTROL

Time perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* age ≥18, the ability to provide informed consent, no psychiatric diagnosis (for the control group).

Exclusion criteria

* severe cognitive impairment, psychosis, inability to complete questionnaires.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Process-Based Assessment Tool	After enrollment (single time point).	The scale involves the depiction of psychological and behavioral processes involved in adaptation and maladaptation, according to the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model. The scale includes 18 items, each involving a stand-alone, individual score, indicating the degree to which the responder engages in the specific process. The scale comprises both positive and negative behavioral strategies.

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)	After enrollment (single time point).	The scale involves the assessment of depressive symptoms, with a score range between 0 and 27. Scores between 5 and 9 mean mild depression, 10 to 14 moderate depression, 15 to 19 moderate to severe depression and above 20 severe depression (Kroenke et al., 2001).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)	After enrollment (single time point).	The scale involves the assessment of anxiety symptoms, with a score range from 0 to 21. Scores between 5 and 9 indicate mild anxiety, scores between 10 and 14 moderate anxiety, while those above 15 show severe anxiety.

Countries

Romania

Contacts

CONTACTOctavian C. Popa, Assoc.Prof.

cosmin.popa@umfst.ro+40745092686

CONTACTCristiana M. Cojocaru, Lecturer

cristiana-manuela.cojocaru@umfst.ro+4-757867711

Outcome results