The effect of oxytocin on social processing in anorexia nervosa.

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A systematic examination of the influence of oxytocin on social processing in anorexia nervosa. A hormonal challenge task

• IRAS ID

  82905

• Contact name

  Janet Treasure

• Contact email

  janet.treasure@kcl.ac.uk

• Research summary

  Title: Examining the effect of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin on social processing in anorexia nervosa: a hormonal test challenge

  Aim: The aim of the current study is to test a theoretical model we have developed and the potential role of oxytocin on treatment for anorexia nervosa. The theoretical model proposes that social factors are key causal factors in the development of the illness. They are exacerbated by starvation, resulting in reduced social processing abilities and brain oxytocin. The social processing impairments serve to maintain the eating disorder by isolating the individual and strengthening the eating disorder thoughts and behaviours. We propose that oxytocin, a neuropeptide involved in attachment and affiliation behaviours, will reduce difficulties in social processing and anxiety, and therefore impact on this maintaining factor in anorexia nervosa.
  Participants: Women with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa (n=30) and IQ and age matched healthy women (n=30).
  Design: A randomised-controlled double-blind between groups design testing intranasal oxytocin (OT) and a placebo in females with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls.

  Protocol: Participants will attend a screening session to 1) assess diagnosis, eligibility, body mass index; 2) complete baseline questionnaires; 3) take a sample of blood and buccal cell smears for oxytocin genetic-related assessment. Then, they will be tested on two separate days, one to three days apart (this is to ensure healthy women are tested in the same menstrual cycle phase and we will also do this for anorexia nervosa patients to control for time). They will be asked to self-administer 40IU OT or placebo intranasally under the supervision of Prof. Treasure/Prof. Stein/Dr. Kern. Participants will be administered visual analogue scales, 4 computerised tasks, and a test meal after the administration of OT/placebo.

• REC name

  London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/LO/0128

• Date of REC Opinion

  19 Mar 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion