This post shares information about what the OxyPLEASURE study is and how to get involved.
What is the OxyPLEASURE study?
This research team is being led by Prof. Dr. Mirjam Christ-Crain at the University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
In the team’s recently published study, they were able to demonstrate for the first time a relevant oxytocin deficiency in patients with AVP-D.
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.
The OxyPLEASURE study therefore aims to find out whether treatment with oxytocin leads to an improvement of these symptoms in people with AVPD.
What does this study involve?
This study is divided into two parts and will last around 6 weeks. Participants will be screened for initial suitability for the study. If suitable, you will be treated with replacement oxytocin and take part in various study visits where their emotional recognition and stress response will be tested.
Part A:
This part of the study takes place at home and is divided into two separate weeks
•This part is designed for people in a stable relationship
•During a time period of 7 days, you will daily apply the nasal spray
•You will be asked to complete questionnaires to test the influence of oxytocin on your sexual wellbeing and intimacy in a home-based setting
Part B:
•You can participate independent of your relataionship status
•You will be invited for 2 study visits (duration: 3 hours each)
•Your emotional reaction (e.g. sexual arousal, empathy, stress/ anxiety) to several film clips will be monitored
In both part A and part B, you will receive one oxytocin and one placebo nasal spray in randomized order
How can I get involved?
If you would like to get involved with this study or would like further information, please contact:
Dr. Svenja Leibnitz: [email protected], phone: 061 328 44 96
Elin Broman: [email protected], phone: 061 328 45 86
