The Effect of Oxytocin on Cognitive Rigidity and Social Anxiety in Eating Disorders

The Effect of Oxytocin on Cognitive Rigidity and Social Anxiety in Eating Disorders: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Oxytocin in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

Status

Completed

Phases

Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12611000671965

Enrollment

Registered

2011-07-04

Start date

2012-01-06

Completion date

2013-12-12

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

The main purpose of this study is to ascertain whether inhaled oxytocin might have therapeutic potential in reducing the cognitive rigidity and social anxiety that have been shown to be important perpetuating factors in Anorexia Nervosa. Participants will be analysed to determine whether oxytocin brings about any improvements in thinking which might help patients with Anorexia Nervosa to recover more easily.

Interventions

Oxytocin nasal spray - Participants will receive 2 daily doses of oxytocin (36 International Units per day) for the duration of the entire trial, 6 weeks. The oxytocin will be administered in 2 puffs, one to each nostril, twice a day, each puff containing 9 International Units of oxytocin.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Intervention model

Parallel

Primary purpose

Treatment

Masking

Blinded (masking used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

16 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Participants who meet DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa will be included in the study. Participants suffering from common comorbidities of depression and anxiety and Axis II disorders will be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Participants will be exluded from the trial if they are suffering from any other major conditions, apart from those related to anorexia nervosa (i.e. common comorbidities of depression, anxiety and Axis II disorders)

Outcome results