Effect of Personalized Feedback Intervention (PFI) with Fear Appeal on Alcohol Consumption Pattern in Patients with Alcohol-induced Delirium: Protocol of an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependence is prevalent, with significant morbidity and mortality linked to alcohol-induced delirium. A new but less studied strategy integrating personalized feedback intervention (PFI) with fear appeal has shown promise in modifying behavior.

Novelty: There is limited evidence to suggest that using patients' own videotaped recordings in a delirious state can reduce relapse and enhance abstinence. Our study evaluates the combined effect of both PFI and fear appeal on reducing alcohol use and prolonging abstinence.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of PFI with fear appeal on alcohol consumption patterns in terms of duration of abstinence and amount of alcohol consumption in patients with delirium.

Methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial will recruit 48 patients (purposive sampling) aged >18 years, any gender diagnosed with alcohol-induced delirium at AIIMS Bibinagar. Participants will be assessed for withdrawal severity and delirium using standardized tools. They will be randomly allocated (opaque sealed envelopes) to two groups: (a) PFI with fear appeal (Group 1) and (b) Treatment as usual (TAU, Group 2). Group 1 will receive TAU, along with PFI, and fear appeal, using a video recording of their own delirium symptoms. Intervention will focus on the harmful consequences of alcohol use, aiming to reduce consumption and increase abstinence duration. Group 2 will receive standard pharmacological treatment, along with motivational enhancement therapy (MET) or relapse prevention therapy (RPT).

Expected outcome: Outcomes will be measured through Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) for alcohol consumption and duration of abstinence, with follow-ups at 1 and 3 months.