Using intranasal oxytocin to enhance 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-11083097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a nasal spray called oxytocin can help make couples therapy more effective for veterans with PTSD and their partners, by improving their emotional connection and overall relationship during an 8-session program.
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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004776-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are seeking to improve their intimate relationships.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or those who are not in a romantic relationship may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how intranasal oxytocin can improve the effectiveness of brief couples therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD. The therapy involves both the veteran and their partner participating in an 8-session program designed to address PTSD symptoms and enhance relationship functioning. By incorporating oxytocin, which is known to influence emotional bonding and stress responses, the study aims to see if this combination can lead to better outcomes for both PTSD symptoms and relationship quality. Veterans and their partners will be randomly assigned to receive either the therapy alone or the therapy augmented with oxytocin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for veterans with PTSD and their partners, enhancing both individual and relationship well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that couples therapy can be effective for PTSD, but the use of intranasal oxytocin in this context is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
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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-
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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.
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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.