In this study, investigators will examine the behavioral effects and neurophysiological
mechanisms of the pro-social neuropeptide oxytocin in patients with recent-onset
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Such research is a necessary first step towards
identifying whether intranasal oxytocin administration can serve as an adjunct treatment for
social impairments in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
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.