Intranasal Oxytocin's Impact on Social Decision-Making in Schizophrenia Patients to be Explored via fMRI

Schizophrenia is characterized by severe social cognitive deficits, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life. Current treatments often fall short in addressing these core social impairments. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known for its crucial role in social bonding and cognition, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Prior research suggests individuals with schizophrenia exhibit atypical social decision-making, particularly in moral dilemmas, failing to show the

This Phase 1, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study recruited 68 participants, including patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and healthy volunteers. After comprehensive screening and informed consent, subjects were randomly assigned to receive one of 8 doses of intranasal oxytocin or intranasal saline (placebo). The order of oxytocin or saline administration was counterbalanced across two fMRI sessions, with subjects blinded to the treatment. Thirty minutes following drug administration, participants underwent fMRI scans while performing social decision-making tasks, following extensive clinical and neuropsychological assessments.