Saskia Koch

Boosting the oxytocin system in acute trauma

Our research aims to study the role of oxytocin acutely after trauma and in PTSD. In different experiments we will examine the effects of exogenous (intranasal oxytocin) and endogenous (providing social support) oxytocin on fear and reward related brain activation patterns, functional connectivity, stress reactivity and trauma-related psychopathology symptoms. To this end, we will employ functional neuroimaging (fMRI) and assess behaviour and stress measures in men and women with PTSD or with an increased risk of developing PTSD.