Can a 'Trust Hormone' spray help ease the social isolation of schizophrenia?

This study tested whether using a nasal spray containing oxytocin, sometimes called the 'social hormone,' before group therapy sessions could help reduce specific symptoms of schizophrenia. Forty-two participants with schizophrenia received either the oxytocin spray or a placebo spray before weekly mindfulness-based group therapy. Researchers measured if this combination was better than therapy alone at reducing symptoms like social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and reduced emotional expression.