Oxytocin and trust in schizophrenia

[David Baxter PhD]

Sharing secrets: Oxytocin and trust in schizophrenia
Authors: Szabolcs Kri; Imre Kiss; Oguz Kelemen
Semmelweis University, Budapest, and Bcs-Kiskun County Hospital, Kecskemt
Hungary
Social Neuroscience, Volume 4, Issue 4 August 2009 , pages 287 - 293

Abstract
Previous studies indicated that oxytocin plays an important role in human trust, which is impaired in patients with severe mental disorders.

In this study, we measured plasma oxytocin levels in patients with schizophrenia (n=50) and in healthy controls (n=50) after neutral and trust-related interpersonal interactions.

Trust-related interactions were associated with increased oxytocin levels in controls. This effect was absent in patients with schizophrenia.

Low oxytocin levels measured after trust-related interactions significantly predicted the negative symptoms of schizophrenia but were not related to positive symptoms, depression, anxiety, and neuropsychological functions.

These results suggest that decreased trust-related oxytocin release is related to the negative symptoms and may be associated with social withdrawal, isolation, and flattened affect in schizophrenia.

 

[Daniel E.]

New support for oxytocin for schizophrenia:

New research shows that a nasal spray containing the “love hormone” oxytocin helped make regular guys more empathetic and less gruff. Oxytocin is the hormone that strengthens the bond between nursing moms and their babies, and it’s also involved in pair bonding, love, and sex.

The group that had used the nasal spray were markedly more empathetic.

Researchers recently found that a dose of oxytocin can help autistic people become less awkward and more social. Now, they’re hoping that medication can also be developed to help socially withdrawn schizophrenics.

Turn a Man Into Mush With a Nasal Spray of Pure Oxytocin - Discover Magazine