Oxytocin and Attachment-related Interpretation Bias

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 4

Conditions: Trust

Treatments: Drug: Oxytocin; Drug: Placebo; Other: Neutral CBM training; Other: Secure CBM training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02737254

2014-005352-25 (EudraCT Number)

S57012

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of oxytocin and a cognitive bias modification (CBM) procedure on children's trust in their mother.

Full description

Previous research has shown that children can be trained to interpret ambiguous interactions with mother in a more secure way by use of a CBM procedure. A secure attachment-related processing bias can causally increase children's trust in mother's availability. The present study tests whether intranasal administration of oxytocin can increase the effect of a secure cognitive bias training. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is involved in human attachment and bonding. Intranasal administration of oxytocin can increase trust among people. After oxytocin or placebo administration, children are either trained to interpret ambiguous interactions with mother in a secure way or receive a neutral training unrelated to interpretation of maternal behavior. Pre- and post-intervention children's trust in mother, support seeking behavior and interpretation of maternal behavior is assessed. Moreover, possible oxytocin side-effects will be monitored.

Enrollment: 100 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 8 to 13 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Between 8 and 13 years old
• Mother can also participate

Exclusion criteria

• Known oxytocin allergy
• Currently using medication
• Kidney or cardial condition

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Factorial Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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100 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Oxytocin and Secure CBM training

Experimental group

Treatment:

Drug: Oxytocin

Other: Secure CBM training

Placebo and Secure CBM training

Active Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Secure CBM training

Drug: Placebo

Oxytocin and Neutral CBM training

Active Comparator group

Treatment:

Drug: Oxytocin

Other: Neutral CBM training

Placebo and Neutral CBM training

Placebo Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Neutral CBM training

Drug: Placebo