Intranasal Oxytocin to Boost Brief Couples Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial Examining Intranasal Oxytocin Augmentation of Brief Couples Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11310800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving intranasal oxytocin can enhance a short, two-person therapy for military veterans with PTSD and their partners.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with PTSD and their intimate partners who are willing to participate in a dyadic therapy trial and can receive intranasal administration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without an eligible partner or with contraindications to intranasal oxytocin would be less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
This trial looks at a brief, 8-session couples therapy for PTSD and adds a potential pharmacological boost with intranasal oxytocin. The goal is to see if the medication improves PTSD symptoms and relationship functioning more than therapy alone. Veterans and their intimate partners would participate together as a dyad, with sessions conducted at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. If successful, the approach could offer a more powerful treatment option that supports both mental health and relationship health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience greater PTSD symptom relief and stronger, healthier partner relationships.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests combining dyadic therapy with pharmacological augmentation may improve outcomes, but results for relationship functioning vary and are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morland, Leslie a. — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Morland, Leslie a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
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Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.