Oxytocin to Enhance Integrated Exposure-Based Treatment of Co-occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD
The primary objective of the proposed Stage II study is to examine the efficacy of oxytocin (OT) as compared to placebo in reducing (1) alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms, and (2) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Veterans receiving COPE therapy (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure). To evaluate purported neurobiological mechanisms of change, we will employ functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at pre- and post-treatment.
• Male or female; U.S. military Veteran, any race or ethnicity; aged 18-70 years.
• Able to provide written informed consent.
• Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for current moderate to severe alcohol use disorder.
• Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for current PTSD as assessed by the CAPS-5.
• Participants may also meet criteria for a mood disorder (except bipolar affective disorder, see Exclusion Criteria) or anxiety disorders. Concurrent substance use disorders (e.g., marijuana) are acceptable provided alcohol is the participant's primary substance of choice.
• Participants taking psychotropic medications will be required to be maintained on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks before study initiation.