A pilot six-week randomized controlled trial of oxytocin on social cognition and social skills in schizophrenia
Gibson, Clare Penn, David L. Smedley, Kelly Leserman, Jane Elliott, Tonya Pedersen, Cort
Gibson, Clare
Penn, David L.
Smedley, Kelly
Leserman, Jane
Elliott, Tonya
Pedersen, Cort
Abstract
The current study explored whether oxytocin can improve social cognition and social skills in individuals with schizophrenia using a six-week, double-blind design. Fourteen participants with schizophrenia were randomized to receive either intranasal oxytocin or a placebo solution and completed a battery of social cognitive, social skills and clinical psychiatric symptom measures. Results showed within group improvements in fear recognition, perspective taking, and a reduction in negative symptoms in the oxytocin group. These preliminary findings indicate oxytocin treatment may help improve certain components of functioning in schizophrenia. Implications for the treatment of social functioning in schizophrenia are discussed.
Keywords
oxytocin, schizophrenia, social cognition, social functioning
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Schizophrenia Research
Book
Volume
156
Issue
2-3
Page Range
261-265