Effects of Oxytocin on Working Memory and Executive Control System Connectivity in PTSD

Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that oxytocin will improve working memory function and increase executive control system connectivity in PTSD patients compared to a resilient control group. Specific Aims: Aim 1. To test the hypothesis that oxytocin will improve working memory function in PTSD patients compared to a resilient control group. Participants (n=35) will include men and women with PTSD, and those who have experienced childhood trauma but did not develop PTSD (resilient group). We will test the influence of oxytocin and placebo on performance during an n-back working memory task. Aim 2. To test the hypothesis that oxytocin will increase executive control system connectivity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to examine cognitive function and executive control system connectivity during a working memory task following placebo or oxytocin administration (24IU). Analysis will include an examination of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity maps using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis