Can a love hormone help veterans heal from PTSD?

NCT ID NCT06194851

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving oxytocin nasal spray before couples therapy can help veterans with PTSD feel better and improve their relationships. About 240 veterans and their partners will take part. Half get oxytocin, half get a placebo, and all receive eight sessions of brief couples 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 offer a way to boost couples therapy for PTSD, helping veterans feel better and strengthen their relationships.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial, so it's still early. The oxytocin may not add much benefit over therapy alone, and side effects from the nasal spray are possible.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
RECRUITING

San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States

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