Oxytocin for Couples Conflict Resolution

What Was Tested

This registered phase 2 trial tested Oxytocin.

Conflict resolution discussions will take place in the laboratory and will be videotaped.

It had two arms (groups): Oxytocin (experimental) and Placebo (placebo comparator).

The registry classes the interventions as drug.

More on the Plan

Substance use disorders (SUD) are characterized by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA).

A more developed line of research indicates that oxytocin mitigates addictive behaviors in the context of various drugs of abuse.

However, only two studies have examined the effects of oxytocin on couples' communication behaviors.

It is important to extend this line of research to examine conflict resolution skills among couples with substance use problems.

Who Took Part

Enrollment: 66 actual participants took part.

It was open to people of any sex aged from 18 years up to 65 years.

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

Examples of who could join: 18-65 years of age. Both partners are willing to participate, and.

The full record lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria; among the exclusions: pregnancy for women; current psychotic or bipolar disorders; active suicidal or homicidal ideation and intent.

How the Study Was Run

The set-up was randomized, parallel-group and double-blind.

The participants were allocated by chance, so the Oxytocin group and the comparison group should start out alike.

Groups ran in parallel: each of the participants stayed in one arm throughout.

Neither the participants nor the staff measuring them knew who was on Oxytocin, so expectations could not easily colour the readings.

Those kept unaware of assignments: participant and investigator.

It started in 2014-06 with completion listed for 2017-03.

Its stated primary purpose is other.

What Was Measured

Researchers chose this as the main measure: Change in Frequency of Distress Maintaining Attributions (time frame: Frequency of distress maintaining attrbibutions per 10 minutes).

It also tracked 1 secondary outcome, for example Change in Salivary Cortisol (μg/dL).

What This Means in Plain Language

Put simply, this is a phase 2, randomized trial of Oxytocin in 66 people.

The trial is marked completed; results are posted on the registry, and this page does not restate them.

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