Natural brain hormone could tame autism irritability
NCT ID NCT02627508
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone in the brain, can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. 40 participants aged 14 to 25 took either pregnenolone or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measured changes in behavior and sensory sensitivity to see if the hormone was safe and effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pregnenolone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease irritability and sensory issues in some people with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early pilot study with only 40 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and the benefits might be small or not happen at all.
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
-
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, California, 94305, United States
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