At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Pilot Test of Intranasal Oxytocin as an Enhancer of Brief Couples Therapy for PTSD
In Brief
A Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Oxytocin nasal spray and Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Relational Problems. Completed, enrolled 20 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
In 2019 VA mandated that all Veterans seeking mental health care have access to flexible family mental health services in VA (VHA directive 1163.04). This study aims to respond to this mandate by further improving an evidence-based PTSD treatment designed to decrease PTSD symptoms and improve relationship satisfaction for Veterans and their romantic partners. Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (B-CBCT), an 8-session dyadic psychotherapy for PTSD, has been found to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, but the effects of B-CBCT on relationship satisfaction are less reliable and robust. Pharmacological augmentation of psychotherapy utilizing intranasal oxytocin, a neurohormone that influences mechanisms of trauma recovery and social behavior, may help improve relationship satisfaction outcomes. If successful, the proposed study will advance knowledge of strategies for improving Veterans' quality of life by improving their intimate relationships along with PTSD symptoms.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Veteran participants will self-administer 40 IU of intranasal oxytocin 30 minutes before the start of each B-CBCT session.
Eight sessions of standardized B-CBCT, a manualized couple-based intervention for PTSD designed to simultaneously reduce PTSD and enhance relationship and functioning.