Effect of Oxytocin Nasal Sprays on Social Behavior in Social Anxiety Disorder

Inclusion criteria

• Males > 18 years of age with a primary (or co-principal) psychiatric diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD), as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) criteria;
• Current Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) score > 60, which is a clinical threshold for SAD symptoms;
• Comorbid present DSM-IV Major Depression, Dysthymia, Specific Phobia, or any of the other anxiety disorders as diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria will be permitted as long as SAD is primary (the disorder that is most distressing to the patient). Inclusion of patients with comorbidity will permit accrual of a more clinically relevant patient population;
• Willingness to participate in and comply with the study procedures as indicated by signing the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with a serious medical illness for which hospitalization may be likely within the next three months;
• Subjects with a current diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, mental disorder due to a medical condition or substance, substance abuse or dependence, as diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria;
• Concurrent use of other psychotropic medications is excluded, except for antidepressants that have been taken at a stable dose for at least 2 weeks;
• Active suicidal or homicidal ideation or suicide attempts within the past six months requiring hospitalization;
• Subjects with significant nasal pathology (atrophic rhinitis, recurrent nose bleeds, or history of hypophysectomy);
• Smokers who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day;
• Those who smoke cigarettes or have caffeine or alcohol within 24 hours of the study visit.