Pharmacological Approach to Improve the Outcome of Social Cognition Training
Schizophrenia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring Schizophrenia, Social Cognition, Oxytocin
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition
- Stable on an antipsychotic medication
- No change in antipsychotic dose of >10% during the past 3 months
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unable to provide informed consent
- History of epilepsy
- Active medical conditions that would make the study unsafe
- History of serious head injury
- History of hyponatremia
Sites / Locations
- West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Placebo+Social Cognitive Skills Training
Oxytocin+Social Cognitive Skill Training
The training utilizes skill building techniques that are commonly used in psychiatric rehabilitation. These include breaking down complex social cognitive processes into their components and automating these skills through repetition and practice. The training programs will include 12 sessions and will be administered in a small group format (6-8 participants per group) twice a week for 6 weeks. The treatment groups will include individuals who are assigned to placebo. Each training session will last for about 90 minutes (1 hour training and 30 minutes between placebo administration and start of training).
The training utilizes skill building techniques that are commonly used in psychiatric rehabilitation. These include breaking down complex social cognitive processes into their components and automating these skills through repetition and practice. The training programs will include 12 sessions and will be administered in a small group format (6-8 participants per group) twice a week for 6 weeks. The treatment groups will include individuals who are assigned to oxytocin. Each training session will last 90 minutes (1 hour training and 30 minutes between oxytocin administration and start of training).