The effect of oxytocin on brain processes in PTSD.

1. Age 18 – 65 years;

2. Capable to read and comprehend the Dutch language;

3. Eligibility for MRI;

4. Exposed to a potentially traumatic event.



PTSD patients:

1. Current PTSD diagnosis;

2. CAPS score ≥ 45.



Traumatized healthy controls:

1. CAPS-score < 15.

1. Any severe or chronic systemic disease;

2. Current psychotic, bipolar, substance-related, severe personality disorder, or mental retardation;

3. Current severe depressive disorder;

4. Prominent current suicidal risk or homicidal ideation;

5. Severe cognitive impairment or a history of organic mental disorder;

6. History of neurological disorders (e.g. traumatic brain injury, seizure history);

7. Reports of ongoing traumatization (e.g. in case of partner violence as index adult trauma);

8. Evidence of clinically significant and unstable medical conditions in which OT administration is contra-indicative, such as cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal, pulmonary, severe renal, endocrine or hematological disorders, glaucoma, history of epilepsy, or a stroke or myocardial infarction within the past year;

9. Use of certain medication: prostaglandins, certain anti-migraine medications (ergot alkaloids), ß-adrenergic receptor-blocking agents, systemic glucocorticoids and psychopharmacological medication;

10. Sensitivity or allergy for OT or its components (e.g. methylhydroxybenzoate and propylhydroxybenzoate);

11. Female participants: pregnancy and breast feeding (NB: female participants with childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test).



Traumatized healthy controls only:

1. (Lifetime history of) PTSD diagnosis, major depressive disorder;

2. Current DSM-IV axis 1 disorder.