Intranasal Oxytocin Alters Cortisol Dynamics during Psychotherapy for Depression

Twenty-four participants with major depressive disorder received 16 weeks of psychotherapy with intranasal oxytocin or placebo. The cortisol awakening response became more pronounced following therapy with oxytocin, but this effect was not sustained at six-month follow-up. Psychotherapy with oxytocin temporarily improved hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function in major depressive disorder.