The Effect of 21-Days Intranasal Oxytocin on Patients With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2018-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Oxytocin (OT) - a neurohormone and neuromodulator which is mainly synthesized in the
hypothalamus - is a mediator stress regulation and improves social bonding. Recently, several
theoretical studies suggested that PTSD patients have abnormal functioning of the OT system.
According to these theories, dysfunction in the oxytocin system may modulate the
interpersonal impairment that characterizes PTSD, and therefore intranasal OT may potentially
relieve these symptoms. In two current studies that were conducted in Rambam health care we
found that a single dose of intranasal OT reduces anxiety and irritability symptoms, and
enhances emotional empathy and compassion, in patients with PTSD. The main goal of this study
is to examine the effects of 21-days intranasal Oxytocin on clinical symptoms and social
function in these patients.