Oxytocin and social functioning in people at high risk for psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neurophysiological basis of effects of oxytocin on emotional processing and social cognition in people at ultra high risk for psychosis.
IRAS ID
150687
Contact name
Paolo Fusar-Poli
Contact email
Research summary
Psychotic disorders are usually preceded by a prodromal phase (Ultra High Risk Mental State) characterised by attenuated psychotic symptoms, emotional dysregulation and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Emotional and social cognition problems are common in UHR individuals, are the main source of their distress, and are a key factor in the associated loss of vocational function. Administration of oxytocin (OT) appears to promote social interactions and emotional bonding in healthy volunteers, improve emotional and social dysfunction, and ameliorate psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The present study will evaluate the mechanism of action of OT on social cognition and emotional processing in UHR individuals. They will enter a double blind randomized OT vs placebo acute single-dose challenge in a cross over design. During each OT/placebo challenge we will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eye-tracking to measure the effects of OT on the neural substrates of emotional processing and social cognition. Subjects will also undergo clinical assessment with standardized psychometric scales.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1692
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion