None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of this proposed research is to test precisely whether Oxytocin (OT) potentiates learning of emotion recognition training, improving processing of emotion information, thus leading to an increase in the quality and quantity of participants' social interactions with a parent or guardian. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups, (1) combined Oxytocin (OT) and emotion recognition training (ERT),(2) combined placebo and Emotion Recognition Training. Effects will be examined at three levels; 1) immediate, 2) intermediate and 3) distal. Immediate effects refer to the direct impact of combined Oxytocin and Emotion Recognition Training on the basic components of social interaction. The intermediate effects of interest refer to the social interactions recorded by parents/guardians in the extended period (24 hours) following combined Oxytocin administration and Emotion Recognition Training. Distal effects will also be determined to gauge the potential for cumulative effects of combined Oxytocin and Emotion Recognition Training over a number of consecutive administrations.
Interventions
Emotion recognition training (ERT) plus 4 doses of nasal spray oxytocin. The ERT program for children is designed to be used together with the Mindreading (MR) program which was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen from Cambridge University. The program, delivered by a trained therapist, aims to train children about emotions. The ERT program will be delivered over four consecutive days. Each session will require approximately 90mins and involves workbook activities, computer tasks and role play.
Emotion recognition training (ERT) plus 4 doses of nasal spray oxytocin. The ERT program for children is designed to be used together with the Mindreading (MR) program which was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen from Cambridge University. The program, delivered by a trained therapist, aims to train children about emotions. The ERT program will be delivered over four consecutive days. Each session will require approximately 90mins and involves workbook activities, computer tasks and role play. The participants will receive 1 dose of Oxytocin prior to commencing ERT (one dose per day).
Sponsors
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Age
8 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Autsim spectrum disorder.
Exclusion criteria
Major comorbid illness; Intelligence Quotient (IQ) < 80 measure with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV); use of regular psychoactive medication;
Outcome results
None listed