This post shares information about what the OxyMOTION study is and what it involves. Applications to take part in this study are now full.
What is the OxyMOTION Study?
For the first time, research has shown that people with AVP deficiency can experience a ‘clinically relevant’ deficiency in oxytocin. In this context, ‘clinically relevant’ means significant enough to cause symptoms that warrant treatment.
This study aims to look at whether oxytocin treatment can improve emotional recognition and stress response for these people. It will look at the effects of oxytocin on someone’s ability to recognise emotions and response to stressful situations.
What is oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain that has positive impacts on social bonding and feelings of love, trust and relaxation. It is made in the brain in response to vasopressin. Therefore, people with AVP deficiency (who do not produce vasopressin) may experience deficiencies in oxytocin, even if they are treated with desmopressin. You can read more about the link between oxytocin and vasopressin here.
Many people with AVP deficiency report symptoms of anxiety, low mood, social withdrawal and reduced quality of life, which may result from oxytocin deficiency.
What does this study involve?
This study will last around 9 weeks. Participants will be screened for initial suitability for the study. If suitable, they will be treated with replacement oxytocin and take part in various study visits where their emotional recognition and stress response will be tested.
When can we expect results from the study?
This study is only in the very early days at the moment, so results are not expected for a while. We will look to share any results that become available, so keep an eye on our website for updates.
You can also read more about the study here.