The effects of oxytocin on complex social cognition in autism spectrum disorders
ID Number 09-0857
Principal Investigator(s)Jennifer A. Bartz
Department(s) or Division(s)
Psychiatry
Description
This study examines the critical role that oxytocin plays in social behavior and social cognition in adults with ASD (autism spectrum disorders). Oxytocin may be a promising candidate to target the social deficits in ASD and this study uses intranasal oxytocin in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the acute effects of oxytocin on Empathic Accuracy, a novel and ecologically valid measure of complex social cognition, the Mirror Neuron System, and Social Reward. Participants in this study are physically healthy adults (age 18-45) who meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.
Contact Information
Jessica Zweifach
(212) 241-2826
jessica.zweifach@mssm.edu
Recruiting Patients: Yes