Oxytocin

Oxytocin was studied as a nasal spray to influence social cognition and stereotyped behaviour in people on the autism spectrum. The S3 guideline on therapy (2021) evaluated a meta-analysis of 12 studies (11 randomised controlled, aged 7 to 56 years, predominantly male, intelligence quotient above 70): for social cognition there was a small, non-significant difference from placebo (Hedges’ g = 0.18), for repetitive behaviour no difference (g = 0.04). A further small study with 35 children found no group difference without taking certain biomarkers into account. The guideline concluded that the body of studies was inconsistent, so that intranasal oxytocin could currently not be recommended as a medicine to improve social interaction or cognition in autism. ^{[1, Ch. C.4.2.2]} The guideline stated in general that for the goal “social interaction and communication” there were no medicines with a robust effect. ^{[1, Rec. 20]} It has expired (valid until 23.03.2026); newer studies are not taken into account. ^[2]

More: Evidence on therapies at a glance and Medication in autism. Medical treatment belongs in medical hands; this entry does not replace advice.

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
2. DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/