A phase II randomised controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin in anorexia nervosa

• DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107032
• Publication Date: 2024-03-19T16:34:30Z
• Authors: Sarah Maguire; Alice Kesby; Rachel Brownlow; Glenn E. Hunt; Marcellinus Kim; Claire McAulay; Jessica R. Grisham; Iain S. McGregor; Anastasia Suraev; Richard C. Kevin; Janice Russell
• Keywords: Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) with high mortality rates and limited response to existing treatments, prompting the need identify effective agents adjuncts. There evidence for emerging role neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) in pathophysiology of AN, studies showing a perturbed oxytocinergic system patients AN. Preliminary has demonstrated that intranasal OT (IN-OT) can produce anxiolytic effects as well reducing concern about eating, dysfunctional attentional biases related disorder. IN-OT non-invasive treatment option AN requires investigation adjunct nutritional rehabilitation. This multi-site study (Trial Registration: ACTRN12616000897460) sought replicate extend previous randomised placebo-controlled pilot trial repeated dose hospitalised Patients (N=61) received daily (18 IU twice per day) or placebo 4 weeks, whilst undergoing inpatient hospital treatment. Outcome measures included ED psychopathology (primary) measured by Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) Body Mass Index (BMI; secondary. Participants were assessed pre- post-treatment, at 6 months following intervention. The first last doses on responses (anxiety ratings salivary cortisol) high-energy snack also examined. Sixty-one female inpatients Mage = 24.36, SD 7.87) average BMI 16.24 (range: 11.43-18.55), recruited into study. No significant differences found between groups any time points outcomes interest, but improvements almost all psychological parameters both evident over time. did not significantly reduce anxiety nor cortisol high-calorie snack. largest people during refeeding. therapeutically promising findings replicated. Limitations reasons non-replication relatively large variance, baseline scores being higher this patient group, potential ceiling differing comorbidities.