The Effects of Oxytocin on Startle Hyperreactivity in Patients With AUD and PTSD

This study will investigate the effects of oxytocin on alcohol-related behaviors, social abilities, and physiological startle responses in healthy individuals and patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) using a randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-tiered, between-subject study design. Specifically, the investigators will determine if intranasal administration of a single dose of the pro-social neuropeptide oxytocin decreases alcohol-related approach bias and cravings, enhances social abilities, and decreases physiological hyperactivity. The investigators will also determine the optimal dose to achieve these effects and will explore psychosocial predictors of responses to oxytocin. The proposed work has the potential to yield a novel pharmacological treatment for AUD and PTSD, both leading causes of disability in the US Military for which currently available treatments are inadequate.