Oxytocin for Self-Harm Risk

Overseen By Thomas E Joiner, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Florida State University

Disqualifiers: Trypanophobia, Psychosis, Life-threatening suicide risk, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug oxytocin for reducing self-harm risk related to self-dehumanization?

Research suggests that lower levels of oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding, are linked to higher suicide intent and social disconnection, which are factors in self-harm. This implies that increasing oxytocin levels might help improve social connections and reduce self-harm risk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is oxytocin generally safe for humans?

Oxytocin has been studied for its effects on social behaviors and psychiatric conditions, and many studies have used it safely in humans, often through intranasal application. While these studies focus on its potential therapeutic effects, they suggest that oxytocin is generally safe for human use. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How does the drug oxytocin differ from other treatments for self-harm risk?

Oxytocin is unique because it is a neuropeptide that influences social interactions and feelings of belonging, which are often disrupted in individuals at risk for self-harm. Unlike other treatments, oxytocin may help by addressing the social disconnection and emotional support needs that contribute to self-harm behaviors. ^{1 3 4 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this experiment is to further determine if self-dehumanization is a novel risk factor for suicide. This study will induce self-dehumanization using a novel experimental self-dehumanized future condition (i.e., a futuristic paradigm that likens the individual to a machine) and compare this group to a control group to analyze the pathway between higher perceptions of self-dehumanization, suicidal ideation, and changes in oxytocin concentrations. It is hypothesized that participants randomly assigned to the self-dehumanized mechanistic future condition will exhibit temporary increases in suicidal ideation (which will be thoroughly assessed, intervened upon following the induction) and decreases in oxytocin concentrations as compared to the control condition, which will not display significant changes. Further, we will explore if the magnitude of the oxytocin response will partially mediate the change in suicidal ideation.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with arthritis, self-harm tendencies, or depersonalization syndrome. Participants will be involved in activities like personality tests and interviews, and must be willing to undergo a blood draw.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a woman with a regular menstrual cycle lasting 26-30 days.

At least a moderate level of self-dehumanization (sum score of 12 or greater) and lifetime suicidal ideation

Exclusion Criteria

Life-threatening suicide risk requiring appropriate safety measures (e.g., hospitalization)

I have a severe fear of needles.

I cannot fast for 10 hours due to a health condition.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Experimental Induction

Participants undergo self-dehumanization induction or control condition, including pre- and post-induction blood draws and self-report assessments

1.5 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in suicidal ideation and oxytocin levels post-experimental induction

1 hour

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Self-Dehumanization

Trial Overview The study aims to see if feeling less human (self-dehumanization) affects the risk of suicide by comparing people's thoughts and oxytocin levels before and after being made to feel machine-like versus a normal condition.

Participant Groups

Group I: Mechanistic Self-Dehumanization Condition Experimental Treatment 6 Interventions

A self-dehumanized future condition (i.e., a futuristic paradigm that likens the individual to a machine)

Group II: Control Condition Active Control 5 Interventions

Control Condition

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Florida State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

234

Recruited

41,100+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Serum oxytocin concentrations in current and recent suicide survivors are lower than in healthy controls. [2021]

2. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oxytocin plasma levels in psychiatric patients with and without recent suicide attempt. [2012]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low CSF oxytocin reflects high intent in suicide attempters. [2012]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Unextracted plasma oxytocin levels decrease following in-laboratory social exclusion in young adults with a suicide attempt history. [2021]

5. Sweden pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CSF and plasma oxytocin levels in suicide attempters, the role of childhood trauma and revictimization. [2014]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prosocial effects of oxytocin and clinical evidence for its therapeutic potential. [2019]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In search of an adult attachment stress provocation to measure effect on the oxytocin system: a pilot validation study. [2021]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Oxytocin and Social Sensitivity: Gene Polymorphisms in Relation to Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation. [2020]