Background
A diagnostic hallmark of autism spectrum disorders is a qualitative impairment in
social communication and interaction. Deficits in the ability to recognize the emotions
of others are believed to contribute to this. There is currently no effective treatment
for these problems.
Methods
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we administered
oxytocin nasal spray (18 or 24 IU) or a placebo to 16 male youth aged 12 to 19 who
were diagnosed with Autistic or Asperger's Disorder. Participants then completed the
Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task, a widely used and reliable test of emotion recognition.
Results
In comparison with placebo, oxytocin administration improved performance on the Reading
the Mind in the Eyes Task. This effect was also shown when analysis was restricted
to the younger participants aged 12 to 15 who received the lower dose.
Conclusions
This study provides the first evidence that oxytocin nasal spray improves emotion
recognition in young people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Findings suggest
the potential of earlier intervention and further evaluation of oxytocin nasal spray
as a treatment to improve social communication and interaction in young people with
autism spectrum disorders.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: November 09, 2009
Accepted:
September 19,
2009
Received in revised form:
September 18,
2009
Received:
June 30,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
