A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study comparing quetiapine with placebo, associated to naltrexone, in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients.

The objective of this study was to determine whether quetiapine plus naltrexone is more effective than naltrexone alone for the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients. This was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial where eligible alcohol-dependent patients were randomized to receive naltrexone (50mg/day) plus quetiapine (25-200mg/day) or naltrexone (50mg/day) plus placebo for 12 weeks, and afterwards patients received naltrexone alone during 4 additional weeks. The primary efficacy measures were percent days abstinent, drinks per drinking day, and the relapse rate.

Impaired response inhibition scale for alcoholism (IRISA): development and psychometric properties of a new scale for abstinence-oriented treatment of alcoholism.

Background: Impaired inhibition of conditioned response plays a significant role in relapse in addictive behaviors. Although patients and their relatives frequently discuss this behavioral deficit when seeking treatment, no instrument is yet available to measure its severity. The aim of this study was to develop the Impaired Response Inhibition Scale for Alcoholism (IRISA) to assess this impairment in alcohol-dependent patients.