Social CognitionPhase 2NCT00884897
Oxytocin and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia
A Phase 2 study testing Oxytocin in people with Social Cognition and Social Anxiety, run by University of Maryland, Baltimore at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Objective: Social Cognition and Emotional Intelligence have been shown to be deficient in patients with schizophrenia and these are not remediated by antipsychotic medications or psychosocial interventions. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Social Cognition, Social Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence
- What is being tested?
- Oxytocin
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jan 2010to Jan 2012
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- All participants must:
- Be between age 18 and 55.
- Meet DSM-IV criteria for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder.
- Treated with a stabilized antipsychotic regimen (i.e., have had no change in antipsychotic medication in the previous six weeks and no change in dose for the past 30 days).
Who cannot join
- Participants will be excluded if they have evidence of:
- DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence in the last 6 months or DSM-IV criteria for abuse in the past 30 days.
- Cognitive impairment severe enough to preclude informed consent or valid responses on questionnaires. This is defined an as a score of less than 10 on the Evaluation to Sign Consent (ESC) and judged by the treating clinician.
- Medical illness that in the view of the investigators would compromise participation in research.
- History of polydipsia and/or hyponatremia
- Clinically significant endocrine disorders, as judged by the PI. Abnormalities in prolactin levels and thyroid function tests associated with the use of dopamine antagonist medications will not be exclusionary.
Show all 16Show fewer
- Pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. In addition, women of childbearing age are required to use an effective form of birth control for the duration of the study. Effective forms of birth control include:
- hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, injectable hormones, vaginal ring hormones),
- surgical sterility (tubal ligation or hysterectomy)
- IUD
- Diaphragm with spermicide
- Condom with spermicide
- Abstinence
- Use of any drugs (prostaglandins, vasoconstricting agents or anesthetic medications, for example) that may interact with oxytocin. Justification: Avoidance of adverse interaction with oxytocin. Assessment tool(s): Clinical interview and toxicology screen
- History of hypersensitivity to oxytocin or vehicle, i.e. propyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, chlorobutanol hemihydrate. Assessment tool: clinical interview
- Presence of or history of clinically significant allergic rhinitis as assessed by the PI, M.D., or Nurse. Justification: Inflammation of nasal mucosa could interfere with mucosal absorption of intranasally administered OT. Current rhinitis from an upper respiratory infection should be resolved prior to enrollment in study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) Outpatient Research Program (ORP); the MPRC Treatment Research Program (TRP)
Catonsville, Maryland, 21228
About this study
Objective: Social Cognition and Emotional Intelligence have been shown to be deficient in patients with schizophrenia and these are not remediated by antipsychotic medications or psychosocial interventions. Social cognition is associated with functional outcome, an important step in striving for recovery in this population. The hormone and neurotransmitter, oxytocin, which has been associated with social bonding and trust has been shown to improve measures of some aspects of social cognition in humans. The study will assess the effect of acute administration of intranasal oxytocin on measures of social cognition and functioning as well as on emotional intelligence and symptoms.
Study population: The study population will include patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who have been on a stable medication regimen for 6 weeks. We will enroll a total of 30 subjects (N=15 placebo and N=15 oxytocin groups).
Experimental design and methods: After a one week lead in phase, participants will undergo 3 weeks of oxytocin (20 IU BID) or placebo administration (double blind) in addition to their existing medication regimen. Outcome measures will be administered during the lead in phase, and at the end of the study drug administration phase (under the acute effect of OT). The primary outcome measure will be the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and the Maryland Assessment of Social Competence (MASC). Secondary measures include rating from the domains of social cognition (emotion perception, attributional style, theory of mind and social perception), symptom rating and measures of social anxiety and quality of life. Side effects and symptoms will be measured weekly.
- Conditions
- Social Cognition, Social Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence
- Being tested
- Oxytocin, Placebo
- Keywords
- Social Cognition, Schizophrenia, Oxytocin
- Medical subject headings
- Schizophrenia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
OxytocinDrug
Oxytocin given as 20 IU BID
PlaceboDrug
Placebo given as 20 IU BID
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Oxytocin | Experimental | We will purchase OT from PharmaWorld, an international pharmacy located in Switzerland; the preparation of intranasal OT is manufactured by Novartis and sold under the trade name: Syntocinon. We have obtained an IND (number 78,246) for Syntocinon (intranasal oxytocin) manufactured by Novartis. Receives: Drug: Oxytocin |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | We will be purchasing oxytocin placebo nasal spray through LABOSWISS located in Davos, Switzerland and distributed through PharmaWorld. LABOSWISS will manufacture the matching the placebo under GDP guidelines. The placebo will be in every way identical to the oxytocin formulation but will not contain OT. Receives: Drug: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
To Determine Whether Exogenous OT Enhances Emotional Intelligence and Improves Performance on Measures of Social Cognition for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Patients
Mayer-Salovay Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (Mayer et al., 2002; MSCEIT) This is a self report instrument that consists of 141 items and 8 ability subscales, which assess four components (branches) of emotion processing: identifying emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions. For this study we will focus on the managing emotions and understanding emotions components. There are 29 total items assessed with a total score ranging from 5-145. The higher the score the better the outcome.
Measured: participants are assessed at baseline and end point
Secondary outcomes (1)
To Determine Whether OT Improves Measures of Social Anxiety.
To determine whether OT improves measures of social anxiety as measured by the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. This assessment has 20 items scored 0-4 for a total minimum score of 0 and maximum score of 80. The lower the score the better the outcome.
Measured: Outcomes are compared between Baseline and endpoint
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Apr 2009 (estimated)
- Study startJan 2010
- Primary completionJan 2012
- Study completionJan 2012
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Social CognitionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Maryland, BaltimoreThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, MPRC, University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Investigators
- Deanna L Kelly, Pharm.D, BCPP, Principal investigator, University of Maryland, College ParkMary Lee, MD, Principal investigator, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00884897
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HP-00041024
- Other IDs
- P50MH082999
- Status last verified
- Sep 2019
- First submitted
- 20 Apr 2009
- Last updated
- 2 Oct 2019
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
Publications
Lee MR, Wehring HJ, McMahon RP, Liu F, Linthicum J, Verbalis JG, Buchanan RW, Strauss GP, Rubin LH, Kelly DL. Relationship of plasma oxytocin levels to baseline symptoms and symptom changes during three weeks of daily oxytocin administration in people with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2016 Apr;172(1-3):165-8. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.02.014. Epub 2016 Feb 12.
PubMed 26879587Lee MR, Wehring HJ, McMahon RP, Linthicum J, Cascella N, Liu F, Bellack A, Buchanan RW, Strauss GP, Contoreggi C, Kelly DL. Effects of adjunctive intranasal oxytocin on olfactory identification and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia: results from a randomized double blind placebo controlled pilot study. Schizophr Res. 2013 Apr;145(1-3):110-5. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.01.001. Epub 2013 Feb 13.
PubMed 23415472
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Oct 2019. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Oxytocin and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00884897
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HP-00041024
- Conditions
- Social Cognition, Social Anxiety, Emotional Intelligence
- Keywords
- Social Cognition, Schizophrenia, Oxytocin
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Study start
- Jan 2010
- Primary completion
- Jan 2012 (actual)
- Study completion
- Jan 2012 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Apr 2009 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 1 Jun 2017
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Objective: Social Cognition and Emotional Intelligence have been shown to be deficient in patients with schizophrenia and these are not remediated by antipsychotic medications or psychosocial interventions. Social cognition is associated with functional outcome, an important step in striving for recovery in this population. The hormone and neurotransmitter, oxytocin, which has been associated with social bonding and trust has been shown to improve measures of some aspects of social cognition in humans. The study will assess the effect of acute administration of intranasal oxytocin on measures of social cognition and functioning as well as on emotional intelligence and symptoms.
Study population: The study population will include patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who have been on a stable medication regimen for 6 weeks. We will enroll a total of 30 subjects (N=15 placebo and N=15 oxytocin groups).
Experimental design and methods: After a one week lead in phase, participants will undergo 3 weeks of oxytocin (20 IU BID) or placebo administration (double blind) in addition to their existing medication regimen. Outcome measures will be administered during the lead in phase, and at the end of the study drug administration phase (under the acute effect of OT). The primary outcome measure will be the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and the Maryland Assessment of Social Competence (MASC). Secondary measures include rating from the domains of social cognition (emotion perception, attributional style, theory of mind and social perception), symptom rating and measures of social anxiety and quality of life. Side effects and symptoms will be measured weekly.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Oxytocin | Experimental | Drug: OxytocinWe will purchase OT from PharmaWorld, an international pharmacy located in Switzerland; the preparation of intranasal OT is manufactured by Novartis and sold under the trade name: Syntocinon. We have obtained an IND (number 78,246) for Syntocinon (intranasal oxytocin) manufactured by Novartis. |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Drug: PlaceboWe will be purchasing oxytocin placebo nasal spray through LABOSWISS located in Davos, Switzerland and distributed through PharmaWorld. LABOSWISS will manufacture the matching the placebo under GDP guidelines. The placebo will be in every way identical to the oxytocin formulation but will not contain OT. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Be between age 18 and 55.
- Meet DSM-IV criteria for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder.
- Treated with a stabilized antipsychotic regimen (i.e., have had no change in antipsychotic medication in the previous six weeks and no change in dose for the past 30 days).
Key exclusion criteria (16 listed)
- DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence in the last 6 months or DSM-IV criteria for abuse in the past 30 days.
- Cognitive impairment severe enough to preclude informed consent or valid responses on questionnaires. This is defined an as a score of less than 10 on the Evaluation to Sign Consent (ESC) and judged by the treating clinician.
- Medical illness that in the view of the investigators would compromise participation in research.
- History of polydipsia and/or hyponatremia
- Clinically significant endocrine disorders, as judged by the PI. Abnormalities in prolactin levels and thyroid function tests associated with the use of dopamine antagonist medications will not be exclusionary.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| OxytocinOxytocin given as 20 IU BID | Drug | Oxytocin |
| PlaceboPlacebo given as 20 IU BID | Drug | Placebo |
Primary outcome
To Determine Whether Exogenous OT Enhances Emotional Intelligence and Improves Performance on Measures of Social Cognition for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Patients
Time frame: participants are assessed at baseline and end point
Mayer-Salovay Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (Mayer et al., 2002; MSCEIT) This is a self report instrument that consists of 141 items and 8 ability subscales, which assess four components (branches) of emotion processing: identifying emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions. For this study we will focus on the managing emotions and understanding emotions components. There are 29 total items assessed with a total score ranging from 5-145. The higher the score the better the outcome.
1 secondary outcome
To Determine Whether OT Improves Measures of Social Anxiety.
Time frame: Outcomes are compared between Baseline and endpoint
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Oct 2019.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 26879587Lee MR, Wehring HJ, McMahon RP, Liu F, Linthicum J, Verbalis JG, Buchanan RW, Strauss GP, Rubin LH, Kelly DL. Relationship of plasma oxytocin levels to baseline symptoms and symptom changes during three weeks of daily oxytocin administration in people with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res. 2016 Apr;172(1-3):165-8. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.02.014. Epub 2016 Feb 12.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 23415472Lee MR, Wehring HJ, McMahon RP, Linthicum J, Cascella N, Liu F, Bellack A, Buchanan RW, Strauss GP, Contoreggi C, Kelly DL. Effects of adjunctive intranasal oxytocin on olfactory identification and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia: results from a randomized double blind placebo controlled pilot study. Schizophr Res. 2013 Apr;145(1-3):110-5. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.01.001. Epub 2013 Feb 13.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Deanna L Kelly, Pharm.D, BCPP principal investigator
University of Maryland, College Park
Mary Lee, MD principal investigator
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Oxytocin in people with Social Cognition and Social Anxiety, run by University of Maryland, Baltimore at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 16 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Oct 2019. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 1 Jun 2017). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
To Determine Whether Exogenous OT Enhances Emotional Intelligence and Improves Performance on Measures of Social Cognition for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Patients (time frame: participants are assessed at baseline and end point). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00884897, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Oct 2019; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.