Oxytocin: Narrative Expert Review of Current Perspectives on the Relationship with Other Neurotransmitters and the Impact on the Main Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Is a cyclic neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus and plays an important neuromodulatory role for other neurotransmitter systems, with an impact on behavior, response to danger, stress, and complex social interactions, such as pair bonding and child care. This narrative expert review examines the literature on oxytocin as a brain hormone. We focused on oxytocin structure, distribution, genetics, and the oxytocin receptor system, as well as the relationship of oxytocin with other neurotransmitters and the resulting impacts on the main psychiatric disorders. Oxytocin levels have been correlated over time with mental illness, with numerous studies focusing on oxytocin and the pathophysiology of the main psychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood, and eating disorders. We highlight the role oxytocin plays in improving symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social behavior, as the literature suggests. Risk factors and causes for psychiatric disorders range from genetic to environmental and social factors. Oxytocin could impact the latter, being linked with other neurotransmitter systems that are responsible for integrating different situations during the development phases of individuals. Also, these systems have an important role in how the body responds to stressors or bonding with others, helping with the creation of social support groups that could speed up recovery in many situations. Oxytocin has the potential to become a key therapeutic agent for future treatment and prevention strategies concerning the main psychiatric disorders.

Oxytocin: A Multi-Functional Biomolecule with Potential Actions in Dysfunctional Conditions; From Animal Studies and Beyond

“…Lastly, recent (last months of 2022) reviews present OXT as having the potential to become a key therapeutic agent for future treatment and prevention strategies concerning the main psychiatric disorders [ 224 ]. Others describe and discuss the data after having categorized the results presented in the articles according to certain subjects in sensory stimulation and OXY and their roles in social interaction and health promotion [ 225 ].…”

The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment

“…These neurons contain presynaptic 5-HT 4 and postsynaptic 5-HT 1A receptors that, when stimulated by serotonin, trigger the release of oxytocin [ 329 , 330 ]. Oxytocin (OT) has several downstream targets that are thought to contribute to a wide range of behavioral and physiological effects [ 332 ] associated with MDMA and potentially underlie some of the therapeutic efficacy of MDMA-AT for PTSD [ 333 , 334 ].…”