Could a nasal spray ease anxiety in a rare hormone disorder?
NCT ID NCT04789148
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This pilot study is testing whether an oxytocin nasal spray can help with anxiety, depression, and social functioning in adults with arginine-vasopressin deficiency, a rare hormone disorder. In the first part, 30 participants will receive single doses of oxytocin or placebo and complete emotional behavior tests. An optional second part will test repeated doses over two weeks. The study is small and early-stage, so results will be preliminary.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- intranasal oxytocin
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to manage emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression in people with vasopressin deficiency.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not be conclusive. The effects of oxytocin on mood are still uncertain, and side effects are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital, Neuroendocrine Unit
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States