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The effects of a course of intranasal oxytocin on social behaviors in youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Guastella Adam J.,
Gray Kylie M.,
Rinehart Nicole J.,
Alvares Gail A.,
Tonge Bruce J.,
Hickie Ian B.,
Keating Caroline M.,
CacciottiSaija Cristina,
Einfeld Stewart L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/jcpp.12305
Subject(s) - oxytocin , psychology , autism , placebo , autism spectrum disorder , clinical trial , randomized controlled trial , clinical psychology , psychiatry , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , neuroscience
Background There is increasing interest in oxytocin as a therapeutic to treat social deficits in autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a course of oxytocin nasal spray to improve social behavior in youth with ASD . Methods In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial across two Australian university sites between February 2009 and January 2012, 50 male participants aged between 12 and 18 years, with Autistic or Asperger's Disorder, were randomized to receive either oxytocin ( n = 26) or placebo ( n = 24) nasal sprays (either 18 or 24 International Units), administered twice‐daily for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, after 4‐ and 8‐weeks of treatment, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Primary outcomes were change in total scores on the caregiver‐completed Social Responsiveness Scale and clinician‐ratings on the Clinical Global Impressions‐Improvement scale. Secondary assessments included caregiver reports of repetitive and other developmental behaviors and social cognition. Clinical trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN 12609000513213. Results Participants who received oxytocin showed no benefit following treatment on primary or secondary outcomes. However, caregivers who believed their children received oxytocin reported greater improvements compared to caregivers who believed their child received placebo. Nasal sprays were well tolerated and there was no evidence of increased side effects resulting from oxytocin administration. Conclusions This is the first evaluation of the efficacy for a course of oxytocin treatment for youth with ASD . Although results did not suggest clinical efficacy, further research is needed to explore alternative delivery methods, earlier age of intervention, and the influence of caregiver expectation on treatment response.