Loading...
The role of oxytocin in fostering mammalian attachment behaviors has sparked interest in its potential therapeutic use for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Effects have been small in adolescents, and numerous questions remain regarding how best to deliver this substance to the brain and oxytocin's exact effects on social-emotional cognition. This industry-funded, Norwegian, crossover trial enrolled 17 men with ASD, no concurrent psychotic disorder, and no intellectual disability (mean age, 25; mean IQ, 110); five had comorbid mood or anxiety disorder. The three treatments, presented in randomized order at a mean of 13 days apart, were 8 international units (IU) of oxytocin, 24 IU of oxytocin, or placebo, administered via a novel breath-power…