Vasopressin Effects on Human Social Communication

What Was Tested

The trial (phase 1) is built around Vasopressin.

This research is being done because the researchers wish to understand how a chemical produced in the brain, vasopressin, effects emotional social communication processes.

Understanding how this system works in normal individuals may help them understand why some people, particularly those with autism and/or antisocial personality disorder, have dysfunctional social interactions.

It had two arms (groups): Vasopressin, Arginine, ADH (experimental) and Sterile Salilne (placebo comparator).

Sterile saline will be administered intranasally and emotional responses to facial stimuli measured.

The registry classes the interventions as drug.

More on the Plan

If you decide to participate you will sign this informed consent and Dr.

Price will ask you questions about your medications, medical history, and how you are feeling on that particular day.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding Childhood Trauma and a Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

You will undergo a brief physical examination which includes an EKG (to look at your heart function), blood pressure and pulse by Dr.

Who Took Part

Enrollment: 225 actual participants took part.

It was open to people of any sex aged from 18 years up to 30 years.

Healthy volunteers could join, not only people with the condition.

The full record lists 1 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria; among the exclusions: individuals with high blood pressure or a history of seizures; heart problems; psychiatric problems.

How the Study Was Run

It was run as a randomized, crossover and double-blind study.

Random assignment meant chance, not the researchers, decided who got Vasopressin and who got the comparison, which limits bias.

Each person switched between Vasopressin and the comparison at some point, usually with a gap in between.

As a double-blind Vasopressin study, the assignments were hidden from both participants and investigators until the end.

Those kept unaware of assignments: participant and investigator.

It started in 2011-09 with completion listed for 2015-12.

It ran at 1 site in United States.

Its stated primary purpose is basic science.

What Was Measured

Primary outcome: Emotional Responses (time frame: 60 min).

It also tracked 1 secondary outcome, for example Genetic contributions.

What This Means in Plain Language

Put simply, this is a phase 1, randomized trial of Vasopressin in 225 people.

The trial is marked completed; no results are posted to the registry yet, so nothing here describes outcomes.

More context: the Vasopressin compound page, all human trials.