Social Safety Learning in the Brain Oxytocin System

08 Jun Social Safety Learning in the Brain Oxytocin System

This study will investigate how oxytocin (a naturally-occurring hormone in the body) may be related to social and cognitive functioning. This in-person study requires one visit, lasting 4-5 hours, located at the University of Washington campus and the University of Washington Medical Center. You will be compensated $80-$100 for completing this study.

In this study, we will give you a nasal spray containing either oxytocin or placebo and then ask you to complete a social learning task that involves receiving mild electric shocks while in an MRI scanner. Additionally, this study involves a diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires.

We are closely following safety procedures in this study and will thoroughly review the risks of participating with you. You will also be given a copy of the informed consent before participating to provide enough time to review the information and help you decide if you would like to participate.

You can find out more information about this study here: https://www.uwconnectlab.com/participate/narsad-2/

Participant Eligibility

Since this study is looking at the effect of a hormone and involves an MRI scan, there are some sensitive inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. These include:
– Having regular menstrual cycles (if female)
– Not having certain other psychiatric, medical, or neurological conditions
– No current plans to harm self or others
– Not being pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive
– Not taking certain medications, including hormonal contraception, psychotropic medication, and steroids
– Not currently seeing a therapist, or psychiatrist (past is okay)
– Not using illicit substances (a urine drug screen will be administered to participate in this study)
– Not having certain prior surgeries, implanted devices (i.e., copper IUD, cardiac pacemaker, screws), or other conditions that would make you ineligible for an MRI scan

Contact

Maggie Sarkisova
(206) 221-1278