Purpose: Test whether intranasal administration of the neuropeptide, oxytocin, improves
social cognition, social functioning and decreases paranoia and other psychotic symptoms in
schizophrenia.
Participants: Up to 80 adults with schizophrenia for at least one year and with a high rating
for paranoia.
Procedures (methods): Oxytocin or placebo will be administered twice daily in an intranasal
spray (6 insufflations/dose or 24 IU) for 6 weeks. Before, during and at the end of the
trial, each subject will undergo social cognitive measures (primary outcomes) and psychiatric
symptom ratings (secondary outcomes).