Oxytocin Treatment of Social Cognitive and Functional Deficits in Schizophrenia

Purpose: Test whether intranasal administration of the neuropeptide, oxytocin, improves social cognition, psychotic symptoms and social functioning in schizophrenia. Participants: 80 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder for at least one year. Procedures (methods): Oxytocin or placebo will be administered twice daily in an intranasal spray for 12 weeks. Before, during and at the end of the trial, each subject will undergo psychiatric symptom ratings and tests of mental abilities used in social functioning, cognition, and social competence.