Adult Oxytocin Study
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Cognitive Studies, Schizophrenia, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 65 |
| Updated: | 10/21/2018 |
| Start Date: | August 2010 |
| End Date: | November 2015 |
The Effects of Oxytocin on Social Cognition in Patients With Schizophrenia
In this study, investigators will examine the behavioral effects and neurophysiological
mechanisms of the pro-social neuropeptide oxytocin in patients with recent-onset
schizophrenia. Such research is a necessary first step towards identifying whether intranasal
oxytocin administration can serve as an adjunct treatment for social impairments in
schizophrenia.
Aim 1: To quantify the effects of exogenous oxytocin on social cognition and behavior in
patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
Hypothesis A: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will show enhanced social cognition
(e.g., improved interpretation of paralinguistic and emotional cues, such as those involved
in emotional or sarcastic communication) after administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Hypothesis B: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will show increased attention to
others' eyes and patients will exhibit increased facial affect expressivity after
administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Aim 2: To examine the effects of exogenous oxytocin on persistent negative symptoms in
schizophrenia (PNS) activity in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
Hypothesis A: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will demonstrate increased PNS
activity during social tasks after administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Hypothesis B (exploratory): Patients and healthy comparison subjects' improvements in social
cognition and behavior will be predicted by the degree to which oxytocin increases their PNS
activity.
mechanisms of the pro-social neuropeptide oxytocin in patients with recent-onset
schizophrenia. Such research is a necessary first step towards identifying whether intranasal
oxytocin administration can serve as an adjunct treatment for social impairments in
schizophrenia.
Aim 1: To quantify the effects of exogenous oxytocin on social cognition and behavior in
patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
Hypothesis A: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will show enhanced social cognition
(e.g., improved interpretation of paralinguistic and emotional cues, such as those involved
in emotional or sarcastic communication) after administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Hypothesis B: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will show increased attention to
others' eyes and patients will exhibit increased facial affect expressivity after
administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Aim 2: To examine the effects of exogenous oxytocin on persistent negative symptoms in
schizophrenia (PNS) activity in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.
Hypothesis A: Patients and healthy comparison subjects will demonstrate increased PNS
activity during social tasks after administration of oxytocin versus placebo.
Hypothesis B (exploratory): Patients and healthy comparison subjects' improvements in social
cognition and behavior will be predicted by the degree to which oxytocin increases their PNS
activity.
Inclusion Criteria for Patients:
- 18 to 65 years of age
- English Speaking
- Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV criteria for schizophrenia,
schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder.
- No or at most only minor changes to medications in the past week
- Able to use nasal spray
- Must be capable of providing informed consent
Inclusion Criteria for healthy volunteers:
- 18 to 65 years of age
- Clinically stable
- No diagnosis of mental disorder according to DSM-IV TR.
- Able to use nasal spray
- Must be capable of providing informed consent
- English Speaking
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active substance abuse or dependence as determined by a Urine Toxicology Drug
Screening
- A current DSM-IV diagnosis of any disorder other than schizophrenia
- Medical conditions (atrophic rhinitis, recurrent nose bleeds and cranial-surgical
procedures (hypophysectomy), congestion or sinus problems) that could interfere with
the study as per the opinion of the investigator
- Hearing deficits
- Pregnancy
- Severe brain trauma
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