Neural and Behavioral Effects of Oxytocin in Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2019-12-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: Male

Summary

The current trial aims to explore the neural and behavioral effects of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Oxytocin is a nonapeptide produced by the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and is known to play a pivotal role in a variety of complex social behaviors. Initial studies showed that intranasal administration of oxytocin can have a positive effect on social functioning in ASD.

However, future studies are necessary to explore whether and how oxytocin effects neural processes in the brain underlying these behavioral improvements. This trial will not only measure behavioral enhancements, but will specifically focus on elucidating the associated neurophysiological changes by guiding the administration of oxytocin with regular neurophysiological assessments.

• Phase: Phase 4
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; KU Leuven
• Collaborators: Branco Weiss Fellowship; Research Foundation Flanders; The Branco Weiss Fellowship
• Treatments: Oxytocin

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome or Autism

• Male

• Age between 18 and 40 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Associated neuro(psycho)logical disorder (i.e. epilepsy, concussion, stroke)

• Eye sight worse than + or - 7

• Genetic syndrome

• Color blindness

• Any contraindication to neuroimaging research as assessed with the MRI screening list:

MRI contraindications:

pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, ear implant / a cochlear implant, insulin or implanted pump, a neurostimulator or VP shunt, any metallic object in the eyes (metallic fragments)