Effects of Oxytocin on Patients and Therapists in Therapy Sessions
The Effects of Oxytocin Administration to Patients and Therapists on Physiological Synchronization: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
This study tests if giving oxytocin to both patients and therapists during therapy sessions can help improve their connection and make therapy more effective for people with severe mental illness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shalvata Mental Health Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hod HaSharon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05432089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of intranasal oxytocin administration on both patients and therapists during psychotherapy sessions for individuals with severe mental illness. The study aims to explore how oxytocin can enhance physiological synchronization and improve therapeutic outcomes by fostering a stronger patient-therapist bond. By administering oxytocin to both parties, the trial seeks to deepen the understanding of its effects on the therapeutic process and the dynamics of caregiving. The methodology includes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with any type of psychiatric illness who are currently hospitalized.
Not a fit: Patients experiencing a current severe psychotic episode or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic outcomes for patients with severe mental illness through enhanced emotional and social connections during therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of oxytocin on therapeutic outcomes, but this specific approach of administering it to both patients and therapists is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients Inclusion Criteria: * age above 18. * any type of psychiatric illness. * hospitalization in one of the inpatients wards. Patients Exclusion Criteria: * current severe psychotic episode * pregnancy according to self-report. Therapist Inclusion Criteria: * psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, in different stages of seniority and training. Therapist Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy according to self-report.
Where this trial is running
Hod HaSharon
- Shalvata Mental health Center — Hod HaSharon, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Omer Sedoff, MA
- Email: omerse@clalit.org.il
- Phone: +97297478555
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.