Social Safety Learning in the Brain Oxytocin System

The investigators are conducting this research study to examine whether oxytocin enhances social safety learning (learning safety through the experience of another individual) in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD) compared to healthy volunteers. Oxytocin is a hormone that can also act as a chemical messenger in the brain. Oxytocin plays a role in a number of functions, including responding to fear and social interactions. In this study, the investigators would like to compare the effects of oxytocin and placebo nasal sprays in adults with SAD and healthy adults. This research study will compare an oxytocin nasal spray to a placebo nasal spray. About 120 people will take part in this research study, all at the University of Washington (UW).