Intranasal oxytocin blunts amygdala response to negative affective stimuli in males and females with alcohol use disorder: a randomized controlled cross-over trial.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Negative affect plays a prominent role in the maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and has been identified as a risk factor for relapse to alcohol. To date, however, treatment options that target negative affective states and consecutive relapse risk in AUD are insufficient. Oxytocin (OXY) might be a promising approach for addressing negative affective states and resulting motivation to use alcohol.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the acute effects of 24 I.U. OXY, administered intranasally, compared to matched placebo (PLC) on central processing of negative emotional stimuli in the amygdala in individuals with AUD.

Methods

We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study in N = 24 individuals with AUD. Amygdala response to em

SUBMITTER: Vetter S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12380973 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature