This study will investigate the effects of oxytocin on alcohol-related behaviors, social abilities, and physiological startle responses in healthy individuals and patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) using a randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-tiered, between-subject study design. Specifically, the investigators will determine if intranasal administration of a single dose of the pro-social neuropeptide oxytocin decreases alcohol-related approach bias and cravings, enhances social abilities, and decreases physiological hyperactivity. The investigators will also determine the optimal dose to achieve these effects and will explore psychosocial predictors of responses to oxytocin. The proposed work has the potential to yield a novel pharmacological treatment for AUD and PTSD, both leading causes of disability in the US Military for which currently available treatments are inadequate.
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
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Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Social Perception measured by score on the Reading the Eyes in the Mind Test
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 60 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Alcohol Approach Bias measured by score on the Approach Avoidance Task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 65 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Startle Hyperactivity measured by heart rate change score in response to startle stimuli
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 70 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Craving will measured by heart rate change score in response to a Cue-Induced Craving task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 80 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Craving will measured by skin conductance change score in response to a Cue-Induced Craving task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 80 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Theory of Mind will me measured by score on the Theory of Mind Geometric Task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 90 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Social Threat Processing will be measured by score on the Social Dot Probe Task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 100 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Social Cognition will be measured by score on the Facemorph Task.
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 105 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.
Working Memory will be measured by score on the Symmetry Span Task
Timeframe: Participants will complete the task 120 minutes following test drug administration. This will occur 3 times during the study period, with each visit separated by at least 7 days. The total study duration will be an average of 4 weeks per subject.