Can the 'Love Hormone' help schizophrenia patients connect better?

NCT ID NCT06136390

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving oxytocin nasal spray before mindfulness-based group therapy could reduce negative symptoms (like lack of motivation or social withdrawal) in people with schizophrenia. 42 participants were randomly assigned to receive either oxytocin or a placebo spray before each therapy session. The goal was to see if oxytocin, which plays a role in social bonding, could enhance the benefits of group therapy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Oxytocin nasal spray
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to improve social function and reduce negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 42 participants. Previous results with oxytocin in schizophrenia have been inconsistent, so the added benefit may be modest or absent.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin

Berlin, State of Berlin, 12203, Germany

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.