Oxytocin for Self-Harm Risk

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Florida State University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this experiment is to further determine if self-dehumanization is a novel risk factor for suicide. This study will induce self-dehumanization using a novel experimental self-dehumanized future condition (i.e., a futuristic paradigm that likens the individual to a machine) and compare this group to a control group to analyze the pathway between higher perceptions of self-dehumanization, suicidal ideation, and changes in oxytocin concentrations. It is hypothesized that participants randomly assigned to the self-dehumanized mechanistic future condition will exhibit temporary increases in suicidal ideation (which will be thoroughly assessed, intervened upon following the induction) and decreases in oxytocin concentrations as compared to the control condition, which will not display significant changes. Further, we will explore if the magnitude of the oxytocin response will partially mediate the change in suicidal ideation.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with arthritis, self-harm tendencies, or depersonalization syndrome. Participants will be involved in activities like personality tests and interviews, and must be willing to undergo a blood draw.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 40 years old.

I am a woman with a regular menstrual cycle lasting 26-30 days.

At least a moderate level of self-dehumanization (sum score of 12 or greater) and lifetime suicidal ideation

Exclusion Criteria

Life-threatening suicide risk requiring appropriate safety measures (e.g., hospitalization)

I have a severe fear of needles.

I cannot fast for 10 hours due to a health condition.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study aims to see if feeling less human (self-dehumanization) affects the risk of suicide by comparing people's thoughts and oxytocin levels before and after being made to feel machine-like versus a normal condition.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Mechanistic Self-Dehumanization ConditionExperimental Treatment6 Interventions

A self-dehumanized future condition (i.e., a futuristic paradigm that likens the individual to a machine)

Group II: Control ConditionActive Control5 Interventions

Control Condition